Normanby highway realignment getting ready for construction

Over the next few weeks, work will be visible in the vicinity of the State Highway 3 Normanby Overbridge in South Taranaki as crews start to set up in preparation for the construction on a new, safer realignment.

Transport Agency regional highways manager David McGonigal says preparatory work has started on the project, and this will set the stage for construction to kick off in March.

Construction for the project has been brought forward by the Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Programme, which will see the project built entirely with Crown-allocated funds.

“We are effectively removing the existing road and overbridge and starting from scratch to create a much safer piece of highway.

“Once built, motorists will experience a safer route with fewer curves, a shorter route, and a highway that can support open road speeds.

“The community have advocated strongly for this project to be built, and we’re pleased that the Government’s acceleration of the project means we can start to make it a reality.”

Mr McGonigal says the project will see the creation of an entirely new 3.6km section of highway with a straighter alignment and a considerably reduced risk of crashes. The project will also provide a more direct route that will make journeys about half a kilometre shorter.

The overbridge will be demolished, making way for an underpass that will be excavated underneath the rail line near Te Roti Rd, and the conversion of the rail line at this location into a bridge. The project will also involve the construction of safe passing opportunities, and a new stock underpass to enable stock to be safely transported underneath the road without disrupting traffic.

Work over the next two months will include temporary diversions of the rail line and road, and establishing a site compound for contractors Downer. Motorists are advised that diversions will create some minor delays while work is underway, and the Agency thanks the public for their understanding.

Once construction begins, it is expected to be completed in two years.

What the project involves:

• The project will be built north from Normanby on west side of railway, linking back via a “road under rail” underpass at Onewhaia Rd
• The new realignment will have fewer and less sharp curves
• Wide shoulders to allow room for correction, and to provide space for cyclists
• Overbridge to be demolished
• The underpass will require a large section of road to be lowered by up to seven metres in height
• The rail bridge will be built by pushing piers into the ground underneath the rail line and excavating an underpass beneath
• Total 3.6km (approx.) of new highway to be built
• Approximately half a kilometre cut from journey distances
• New passing opportunities for both northbound and southbound travellers
• Level rail crossings eliminated at Onewhaia and Austin Rd West, but a crossing to be created at the end of Te Roti to link Te Roti and Onewhaia Rds
• New stock underpass.

For more information please contact:

Anthony Frith
Media Manager - Central

T: 04 894 5251
M: 027 213 7617
E: anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz