Kia ora
With so much construction work going on it’s been great to have the opportunity to switch hats and be involved in the creative side of the PP2O project. The community reveal of the Ōtaki Gateways Project – a public arts work development – was delivered at the June Ōtaki Community Board meeting and has been met with good support.
The Steering Group, represents all parts of the Ōtaki community and has worked hard to incorporate integral strands of Ōtaki history in the final design.
The design of the six-metre high sculptures, to be located at the north and south ends of Ōtaki township, represent the attributes which have shaped Ōtaki such as the three magnificent waterways, horticulture and other industry, and of course its people, which its success has been built upon. Aggregates from the river will be used in the concrete sculpture, embedding the DNA of Ōtaki within, and further community input will be sought with the inclusion of time capsules.
It has been a privilege to work with the community on the Gateways Project and for Fletcher to facilitate the design through to the installation of the sculptures which will occur in 2021.
If you need any further information on the PP2Ō Expressway project please call us on 0800 PP2O INFO or email pp2o@nzta.govt.nz
Ngā mihi
Andy Goldie, Project Manager
Remembering the original Main Road North bridge
The deconstruction and removal of the Main Road North road/rail bridge was completed in June. Ōtaki College students speak to Ōtaki locals who share their childhood memories of the original bridge being built.
Construction update
North Zone (north of the Ōtaki River to Taylors Road)
Deconstruction of ‘The Ramp’ built in 1937.
Enabling works have kicked off for Bridge 1 (Waitohu Stream Bridge) and we’ll soon begin construction of the southern abutment. Earthworks continue between Bridge 1 and Bridges 2 and 3 (over the Expressway and rail) and architectural panels have been placed on Bridges 2 and 3.
Moving south, the old Main Road North rail overbridge (‘The Ramp’) has been demolished and removed from site. Bridge 4 (Rāhui Road overbridge) eastern abutment is now constructed to full height, ready for concrete works and bridge beam placement.
Hemi Te Ao Lane’s Rāhui Road access will temporarily close from July, with alternative access off SH1. Works have kicked off for the realignment of the northern end of the existing platform at the Ōtaki Station and permanent fencing is now in place.
South Zone (south of the Ōtaki River to Peka Peka)
Reinforcing steel lift on to the Ōtaki River Bridge.
Ōtaki River Bridge continues to plough ahead, with side panels being placed and works ramping up on the northern side. Just south, tie-in works continued on Ōtaki Gorge Road with eagerly awaited fine weather allowing the pavements to be completed and traffic to be switched over to the new alignment (stage 1). Bridge beams have been placed on the new Ōtaki Gorge Road Bridge (that will go over the Expressway) in preparation for the second Ōtaki Gorge Road traffic switch later this year (stage 2).
The midsection of the south is a hive of activity, with culvert construction, utility installations and dumper crossings. The safety of the community and our staff in the area is a priority and due to this there are a number of temporary speed limits in place. We appreciate your patience and extra attention on the roads.
In the southernmost section of the job, we’ve begun earthworks between Te Kōwhai and Te Hāpua Roads for the new local arterial road alignment. Once completed later this year, we will temporarily switch all state highway traffic onto the new alignment, so we can then construct the Expressway bridge that will cross west to east over the railway. Long haul earthworks also continue, and the Awatea pre-load is in its second stage, alongside SH1. The 70km/h speed limit in place is important given the close proximity to SH1 and the driver distraction that can be caused by the big machinery. Once again, thank you for your patience and extra attention.
