Sun still shining on $850m road

Wellington’s lousy summer is not expected to delay construction of the much-anticipated $850 million Transmission Gully motorway.

The 27 kilometre, four-lane motorway between the northern Wellington suburb of Tawa and McKays Crossing, north of Paekakariki, is scheduled to be completed by 2020.

Wellington recorded its worst summer in 30 years in 2016-17, but Wellington Gateway Partnership chief executive Sergio Mejia said the wet weather had caused minimal disruption.

Mackays Crossing:

Drying out and stabilising of a large area of land around Mackays Crossing has been completed. This is where the motorway will link with the existing State Highway 1.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park:

Several culverts and bridges have been constructed, including the underpass that will provide access for Battle Hill Farm Forest Park users under the road. This will be open to the public soon.

State Highway 58:

Earthworks for the inter- change with SH58 are under way in the Lanes Flat area.

Bulk earthworks have started behind Whitby and Cannons Creek, particularly at the James Cook interchange which will link the motorway to the Whitby and Waitangirua access roads.

State Highway 1:

Ranui pine harvesting is continuing at the southern end.

Sewer lines and other services in the area will soon be moved to allow for construction of bridge foundations and the interchange that will link to Kenepuru Dr.