Motorway consortium holds meet and greet

NX2 chief executive Ray Wilson was on hand to answer questions at the Warkworth information morning.

Two viaducts on the new 18.5km, four-lane motorway between Johnstone’s Hill and Warkworth have been removed to make the road more visually attractive, according to the construction consortium NX2.

At an open day in Warkworth last month, NX2 representatives said the design of the road was not yet “set in stone”, although changes in the alignment at this stage would be minimal.

A spokesperson said fewer large, high structures would be less intrusive in the landscape and for that reason, viaducts at Perry Road and Schedewy Hill had been removed and replaced with embankments.

Under the current plan, Wyllie Road will be turned into a cul-de-sac where it intersects the motorway, rather than being run under the motorway, which was the original plan.

Geotechnical investigations will continue in the early part of this year to finalise the detailed design.

Current work includes soil sampling to determine the best type of foundations, clearing access roads for heavy vehicles and machinery, creating a site compound and office at 40 Wyllie Road, installing culverts, forestry works and the development of access tracks. Most of this will be happen in the northern sector, west of Warkworth.

Ecological teams will also be assessing the habitats of native wildlife and plants. Ecologists will relocate lizards, snails, flora and other fauna to safe and appropriate new homes before construction starts.

The project was granted Overseas Investment consent in October to acquire a leasehold over 1700 hectares, worth more than $100 million. Once completed, the consortium will manage and maintain the road for 25 years.

Major earthworks are set to start in October and the road is due to open by late 2021.