A number of major Auckland transport projects are back in action following the move to alert level 3.
When the country moved to alert level 4 in August, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency put all non-essential state highway maintenance and project work on hold.
Only essential maintenance and work ensuring security, safety, and environmental protection of sites was permitted at alert level 4.
However, southern and northern border checkpoints will remain in place with the rest of New Zealand in alert level 2.
Getting back on-site will be different for each project and timings will depend on the nature and complexity of worksites.
Some on-site activity can start back up straight away, while other sites and projects may take some time to be fully operational, Waka Kotahi says.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is seen as the frontline in the defence against the delta variant of COVID-19 and so it’s critical the health and safety of our workers and road users remains the top priority for Waka Kotahi,” infrastructure delivery national manager Andy Thackwray says.
“We’ve assessed the risks, working closely with our contractors on individual COVID-19 plans for each of our worksites, and we’re confident that by following the new Health Order and strict industry standards provided by Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ), our staff can safely carry out work.
“The plans include standards and guidelines for pre-planning work, documenting the health and safety of staff, maintaining safe physical distancing, cleaning of all plant, tools and vehicles, and quickly and accurately tracing people if they come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
“Infrastructure plays a vital role in New Zealand’s economic recovery so it’s important that work continues. However, construction is just one part of this and many of our teams have continued planning and design work throughout level 4 and will continue to do so from home,” Thackwray says.
Staff and contractors are now resuming work on the following projects:
- Dome Valley Safety Improvements Project
- Northern Corridor Improvements Project
- The Old Māngere Bridge Replacement Project
- Northwestern Bus Improvements Project
- SH22 Glenbrook Roundabout
- Glenn Innis to Tāmaki Drive Stage 2 Shared Path
- Papakura to Drury Stage 1A
- Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth
- SH20B Early Improvements Project
- Penlink Project (Geotech works)
