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An artist’s impression of what the Matakana link road bridge will look like on completion. The rock structure under the bridge has presented some challenges.
Matakana link road constructor Wharehine remains confident the road can open before the opening of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway, despite recent heavy rainfall and Covid alert level changes.
Wharehine general manager Andy Booth says the bulk of earthworks was completed during summer, before the onset of wetter spells in March and April.
“We were able to divert crews into non-critical path drainage activities and service installation during most of the wetter spells. The delays associated with the rain will not affect the project completion date of early 2022,” he says.
Mr Booth is also happy with progress on the diversion of Matakana Road to allow work to commence on the roundabout there to connect the eastern end of the link road. He says this has occurred with minimum disruption to road users.
“We have had a few queries on this. It is worth noting this is a temporary diversion,” he says.
Work is also underway on a three-span, two-lane bridge to cross a stream. Piling has been completed and abutments are currently being poured.
Precast concrete beam manufacture for the bridge is underway, and the Wharehine team is working on the pier columns. A total of 27 bridge beams will be required.
“We then move into the significant phase of the work associated with the superstructure, including the deck and precast barrier installation,” Mr Booth says.
Mr Booth says the rock structure under the bridge is notoriously varied and has presented problems.
This had resulted in some redesign of the bridge, but there was allowance for this in the construction programme.
He adds that changes in Covid alert levels have posed significant challenges, but Wharehine continues to have robust protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of all staff throughout potential lockdowns, while still ensuring the project can continue.
