Water users are asked to keep well clear of new offshore construction zone areas on Te Whanganui a Tara, as works ramp up for the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua – the new project to provide a walking and cycling link along the harbour between Wellington and Lower Hutt, and a more resilient coastal edge for the road and rail.
Crews will build two temporary wharves, and two offshore habitats on the water next to State Highway 2 and the railway line between the two cities.
Waka Kotahi Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Jetesh Bhula says the project team are working closely with emergency services and the Harbourmaster about our forthcoming construction works which will be visible on the water for the next three years.
Jetesh Bhula says buoys and poles will mark the boundary of the offshore habitats, and anyone out on the water is to keep well clear of these work zones.
“The two wharves mean our construction team can use barges to safely transport heavy materials and equipment to site and have fewer heavy trucks on SH2 during the construction phase. A barge will provide the main platform for the crane, and will be operated by our crews,” says Jetesh Bhula.
New wildlife habitat is also being created as part of the path construction.
The design of the path aims to preserve and protect existing habitats as much as possible. Existing habitats include gravel beaches, rocky reef areas, and natural offshore rocky outcrops.
The first stage of work includes the construction of two offshore habitats for birds – small man-made outcrops which will provide space for birds to roost away from human activity on the new shared path.
Officer in Charge, Wellington Police Marine Rescue Centre Craig Pickering asks water users to be mindful on the water where harbour traffic will increase due to the construction of the new walking and cycle route.
”Please keep well clear from the offshore construction zone.”
Greater Wellington Regional Council Harbourmaster Grant Nalder says it is important fishers, boaties and other water users navigate safely, and stay clear of the construction works and the vessels working in the area. There will be restrictions in place during construction for the safety of the public and the crews working. This information will be shared by Greater Wellington Regional Council and Te Ara Tupua and will change as the construction areas move.
Rocks will be placed on the seabed inside the buoys and marker poles to build the offshore habitats. These rocks will not be visible to boaties or other water users until the offshore habitats are nearly completed and can be seen above the water surface.
The work will be visible to everyone travelling between Wellington and Lower Hutt. Road users are asked to drive safely and keep their eyes on the road to keep SH2 moving safely and smoothly.
To see the construction up close, take the train – and check our website and social media channels for photos and videos of what’s happening.
Te Ara Tupua is led by Waka Kotahi in partnership with iwi mana whenua Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, with support from local councils and KiwiRail.
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