Expressway surface to be upgraded
The NZ Transport Agency has announced it will upgrade the entire surface of the Peka Peka to O¯ taki (PP2O¯ ) Expressway from chipseal to open-graded porous asphalt (OGPA).
Project delivery senior manager Chris Hunt said OGPA provided a smoother surface for drivers, required less maintenance, was quieter for roads user and nearby residents and would cope better with projected traffic volumes.
“It’s vital that the expressway provides great journeys for our customers, both now and in the future.
“Recent traffic modelling for PP2O¯ indicates that traffic volumes just north of Peka Peka are currently at approximately 20,000 vehicles per day.
“By 2031 this is projected to grow by at least 10 per cent to 15 per cent.
“As with most major roading projects, chip seal will be put down for the first 12 months to allow the surface to bed-in, enhance waterproofing, and help reduce the risk of early surface failures.
“Following that 12-month bedding in period, the OGPA will then be applied.
“The decision to upgrade the road surface was an evidence-based decision based on sound technical advice, but I also want to acknowledge those in the community who have strongly advocated for this.”
Ka¯ piti mayor K Gurunathan said the decision would benefit both local community living near the expressway and motorists.
“As I understand it OGPA is longer-lasting than chip seal and will make for a much smoother driving experience.
“It drains better and faster during storm events and will help reduce the traffic noise for people living near the expressway.
“The Peka Peka to Otaki ¯ Expressway, once constructed, will be an absolutely fantastic edition to the Ka¯ piti Coast.
“It will strengthen our district’s connections to both the north and the south and will significantly improve our resilience.
“I for one can’t wait for the expressway to be completed as it will not only make my daily commute between O¯ taki and Paraparaumu safer and more enjoyable but it should also shave a few minutes off my journey.”