A key milestone in the NZ Transport Agency's Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project will be celebrated on Friday 5 June in the presence of two senior engineers who played a key role in the construction of the existing Newmarket Viaduct.
A key milestone in the NZ Transport Agency's Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project will be celebrated on Friday 5 June in the presence of two senior engineers who played a key role in the construction of the existing Newmarket Viaduct.
The Ministry of Works’ Resident Engineer on the original viaduct project, John Built, and Construction Manager, Bryden McKinnell will lower a symbolic foundation stone – shaped into an adze head - into place at the foot of the first foundation hole. The stone will then be embedded within the foundation as part of the first concrete pour on site.
The adze (an axe-like tool) is of particular significance to the project team as it represents the first construction method adopted by Maori. A twin stone will be displayed at the project’s visitor centre, which is due to open in mid June.
‘The original Newmarket Viaduct was constructed using groundbreaking techniques and was rightly seen as a pioneering engineering development when completed in 1965. This has allowed the structure to serve as a vital link in the country’s busiest stretch of motorway for more than 40 years,’ explains Wayne McDonald, the NZTA's Regional Director for Auckland and Northland.
‘Not only is John and Bryden’s presence at the event inspiring to those on the current project team, the knowledge they have shared has been invaluable in understanding how the existing structure can be safely dismantled and removed within such a tight urban corridor,’ he says.
The Newmarket Connection project is based around the staged replacement of the Newmarket Viaduct with a wider, stronger and safer structure. The staged approach to construction / deconstruction will enhance motorway capacity in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011, through the early delivery of a new four-lane southbound carriageway. A focus on urban design will also provide long term benefits for the surrounding community, including improved pedestrian linkages and acoustic mitigation measures. The project is due for completion by the end of 2012.
For more information on the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/newmarketconnection(external link) or call the 24 hour project freephone number: 0508 CONNECT (266 6328).
For all media enquiries please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland Media Manager
T: 09 368 2142
M: 027 2137616
Email: ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
Notes: Any media wishing to attend the foundation stone ceremony tomorrow are advised to meet at the project’s visitor centre at 5B Mahuru Street at 9.30am and no later than 9.45am. Although cordoned off, the event will take place within a live construction site, therefore a brief induction and the wearing of a high-viz vest, hard hat, protective eyewear and closed toe footwear is essential. If you have your own, please bring along your own hard hat, high-viz and eye protection. Limited spare equipment is available - to reserve some please RSVP to the project’s Communications Manager, Gez Johns, on 021 399265 or gez.johns@nganewmarket.co.nz
