Client: Waipa District Council

Location: Ōhaupō Village, State Highway 3

Date: November - April 2024

 

CONTEXT

This project involved upgrading a critical section of State Highway 3 in Ōhaupō, in order to improve infrastructure and enhance safety measures along this stretch of the heavily trafficked State Highway (14,910 vpd, 2023).

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SUMMARY OF WORKS

Works began with clearance and demolition, including the removal of 500 metres of kerb and channel. New catchpits and pipework were also installed, with some service relocation. A total of 1,900 square metres of concrete was excavated to adjust levels behind the old kerb lines prior to paving.

 

We installed plain, broom-finished, and exposed aggregate, concrete footpaths. Deteriorating pavement was repaired or reconstructed, and sealed. Finishing work included new street lighting, landscaping, street furniture and minor planting. Salvageable signs were preserved for reuse.

 

MINIMAL DISRUPTION

This project required careful planning, allocation of suitable plant and equipment and proactive stakeholder engagement, to ensure minimal disruptions to the public and local businesses.

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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Working close to an arterial route meant a comprehensive traffic management strategy was vital. Project works were split into two sections on opposite sides of the road, so that traffic could be redirected around the work site. This approach kept through-traffic moving. During this time, we maintained access to local businesses by providing parking no more than 50 metres from their premises.

 

WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS

Because access was tight, we used small, highly mobile excavators and smaller 4x2 trucks from our own fleet. Success was largely due the experience and skill of our machine operators, who were able to manoeuvre equipment through an environment that literally offered little room for error.

 

IMPROVED SAFETY

A highlight of the project was the construction of a raised platform with a signalised pedestrian crossing across SH3. Three additional raised safety platforms were also installed at strategic points along the route.

 

POSITIVE OUTCOMES AND COMMUNITY APPROVAL

We are pleased to say that everything went very well, and our project work contributed to an enduring, positive outcome for road users and the local community. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.