Works will continue on the Maungatapu underpass project in Tauranga despite the finding of asbestos on the construction site.
“Our contractors have built a ramp over the top of the asbestos affected area to gain access to the creek so they can start work on the Kaitemako stream diversion after Christmas,” says NZTA project manager John McCarthy.
“We have also started drilling and pouring the concrete piles, which will support the bridges and the sides of the underpass,” he says.
NZTA says specialist contractors will be removing the asbestos found onsite in the New Year.
It was found in a buried, demolished building uncovered while contractors were carrying out earthworks near the old Baden-Powell Centre.
McCarthy says the NZTA team are currently working through the consents process to gain permission to remove the asbestos and expect the work to be carried out in early 2016.
“The area is secure in line with all health and safety, environmental, legal and regulatory guidelines and there is no immediate health risk to staff or the community,” says McCarthy
“The site will remain fenced off over Christmas, and we will have regular patrols to ensure everything is secure. The public should not enter the fenced off area,” he says.
The Maungatapu underpass project remains on schedule for a 2018 finish.
