Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
One of Waikato’s most anticipated intersection upgrades is complete, with work wrapped up at the new 60-metre roundabout in Piarere.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) began construction to upgrade the existing T-intersection of SH1 and SH29 in January 2024, following consistent community calls for a safer solution.
NZTA Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Darryl Coalter says the intersection had been the scene of too many serious crashes.
“We set out to improve safety, connectivity and reliability for the people who travel on this high volume-route, which sees more than 20,000 vehicles daily.
“ A roundabout was chosen for its proven safety benefits and network resilience. It was also designed with a fourth ‘stub’ to futureproof the connection seamlessly to the planned Cambridge to Piarere expressway.”
Downer was awarded the construction contract in late 2023 and the team got to work on the significant earthworks required in early 2024. To make way for pedestrian underpasses, the ground level needed to be raised 4.5 metres, which meant moving an enormous 100,000 square metres of structural fill.
Downer Project Manager Craig Lingard says at its peak, up to 7,000 tonnes of fill was delivered daily via around 130 truck trips.
“This project has required a significant number of resources – both in terms of materials and personnel. We’re proud to have been able to source much of both locally, with 95% coming from within the region.”
Mr Lingard says more than 400 people were inducted to site and over 110,000 hours of work were logged.
The finished result is a double-lane roundabout featuring 2 pedestrian/cyclist underpasses, an improved stormwater system and upgraded street lighting and landscaping.
The project team worked closely with local mana whenua throughout the project.
At the heart of it all, Te Manu Rangimaarie (bird of peace), is a striking 12-metre-high sculpture in the centre of the roundabout, which celebrates the connection between hapū and iwi to the land and river.
The mythical manu (bird) was designed by renowned Waikato artist, the late Fred Graham and built in the Hamilton yard of Longveld, who have fabricated many of the large sculptures on the Waikato Expressway.
Mr Coalter thanks the project’s neighbours, the wider community and road users for their patience throughout construction.
“We appreciate the support we have received and hope that people enjoy this safer, more connected intersection.
“I would also like to thank the project team and contractors for their dedication to completing the roundabout as efficiently as possible.”
Mr Coalter says that as usual with large infrastructure projects like this, some minor finishing touches including surfacing and line marking will continue through the summer sealing season, however the major works are complete.
