Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Drills will be in the ground shortly with investigation work set to begin on one of Wellington’s biggest infrastructure projects.
Geotechnical works for the State Highway 1 Wellington Improvements Roads of National Significance (RoNS) project are due to begin from Monday, 10 November, and are scheduled to finish in January 2026. The drilling work will be undertaken on the Hataitai side of Mount Victoria, within the Wellington Town Belt.
Kesh Keshaboina, Regional Manager System Design, says some recreational tracks used by walkers and bikers in the area will have to be temporarily closed so that the work can be completed safely. “We will need to drill five boreholes between 40 and 80 metres into the ground to obtain geological core samples as part of the ongoing planning for this project.”
“It is critical that we get an accurate picture of the local geology, as this will help us to plan the alignment and develop the design of the proposed second Mount Victoria Tunnel. The core samples will provide valuable information, critical for the project’s success, Mr Keshaboina says.
He says, to manage safety risks, it is important that people are kept clear of the drilling sites while the work is underway.
“We appreciate that the Mount Victoria tracks are well-used and well-loved by many in the community, but it is simply not safe to have tracks open at sites where drilling is planned. We are asking people to bear with us while we complete this essential work.”
“This work is temporary, and full access will be restored to the affected tracks and paths as soon as it is completed,” Mr Keshaboina says.
He says every effort will be made to reduce impacts on the public and NZTA/Waka Kotahi will keep people up to date on the work.
“Work will be underway at multiple sites simultaneously to ensure the investigations are finished as quickly as possible.”
“Signs will be in place on closed tracks, and on feeder tracks, to ensure that people know exactly which areas can and cannot be accessed. The most up-to-date track closure information will always be available on the project page on the NZTA website,” Mr Keshaboina says.
