In a bid to accommodate the ongoing construction of the Penlink project, changes to traffic conditions on East Coast Road are set to commence.

The primary focus is on the installation of a raised crossing to facilitate the movement of heavy construction vehicles.

To safeguard the underground services along East Coast Road, the raised crossing will play a crucial role in allowing construction vehicles to cross from one side of the road to the other.

However, with the paramount concern being the safety of road users, a 30km speed limit and temporary traffic signals will be implemented during work hours.

The operational hours for these changes are set from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm.

The traffic lights will remain green until a construction vehicle requires passage, ensuring a streamlined flow of traffic.

The construction of the raised crossing is scheduled for Thursday, December 7, and Friday, December 8, under stop/go traffic management, maintaining a 30km speed limit.

Subsequently, the traffic lights will be activated starting Monday, December 11.

The overarching aim is to minimise disruptions to road users as much as possible.

Commuters are urged to exercise caution when traversing the construction site and adhere to all road rules.

Approximate raised crossing location in red on East Coast Road.

November Construction Updates: State Highway 1/East Coast Road

As part of the ongoing construction activities in the region, several updates have been noted for State Highway 1/East Coast Road:

• Wick Drains: The construction of a sand blanket layer and sub-soils, coupled with the installation of wick drains, has been successfully completed. These wicks serve to channel water away, expediting ground preparation.
• General Works: Erosion and sediment control efforts are ongoing. Haul roads for earthworks have been constructed, and piling works to support the East Coast Road Bridge construction are in progress. Underground services have been relocated.

Ara Wēiti Road:

• A temporary stream diversion has been constructed.
• The main project office has been completed.
• Earthworks and ground improvements in the Ara Wēiti forest area continue.

Stillwater: Wēiti River Bridge and Duck Creek Road West

• Wēiti River Bridge Temporary Staging: Twelve of 25 bays of temporary staging on the western side of the river have been completed. This staging will be instrumental in constructing the permanent bridge.
• Wēiti River Bridge Western Abutment: Thirteen of 35 900mm and 1200mm diameter steel-reinforced concrete piles have been installed to fortify the ground.
• Duck Creek Road West: Large earthwork machinery initiated the first permanent cut to fill works. Ongoing activities include the construction of access tracks, ground improvements, tree clearing, and erosion and sediment control measures.

Whangaparāoa:

• Vegetation and Tree Clearing: Continued efforts in tree clearing, monitored by the ecology team, along with chipping and stump grinding work.
• Wick Drains: Commencement of construction of a sand layer and sub-soils, followed by the installation of wick drains.