A $100,000 pump capable of moving 1500 litres of water per second was installed today near the Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve as part of the Tauranga Eastern Link project reports the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
Andrew Scott, the NZTA’s Principal Project Manager says the new pump is an important part of the Tauranga Eastern Link’s storm water mitigation plan to remove extra run-off that will be created by the larger road surface of the new highway.
“The massive pump was manufactured in Germany to meet exacting local requirements and will be used in addition to the three existing pumps on site. It will also provide extra capacity to reduce the flood risk in the area,” said Mr Scott.
The $1.1 million project is one of seven Tauranga Eastern Link support projects brought forward to boost the local economy and prepare the way for the main construction contract. The project got underway in October last year and included building new inlet and outlet structures to house the huge pump. The pump will be commissioned next week and the project will be completely finished the week after.
Ownership of the new pump will then transfer to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council who manage the pump station as part of the region's flood control scheme.
Keep up-to-date with developments at www.nzta.govt.nz/tel(external link)
Editor’s notes
The Government has identified seven essential state highway projects linked to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. Called the roads of national significance, or RoNS for short, the NZTA is charged with delivering this programme of state highway improvements within the next 10 years. The RoNS programme represents one of New Zealand’s biggest ever infrastructure investments and is a key part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan and Government’s Policy Statement for transport.
The seven RoNS projects are based around New Zealand's five largest population centres. The focus is on moving people and freight between and within these centres more safely and efficiently. Other RoNS may be added in future but currently from north to south the seven projects are: Puhoi to Wellsford - SH1, Completing the Western Ring Route, Auckland - SH16, SH18 and SH20, Victoria Park Tunnel, Auckland - SH1, Waikato Expressway - SH1, Tauranga Eastern Link - SH2, Wellington Northern Corridor - SH1, Christchurch Motorways. More information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/rons(external link)
