Concerns are being raised about the completion date of Transmission Gully with some in the industry saying the project could be delayed by two years due to COVID-19.
Road Transport Forum (RTF) chief executive Nick Leggett says he has been contacted by a number of people associated with the build saying contracting equipment has been removed from the site and worker numbers have been cut since alert level 3.
“They have also suggested the budget has been cut and the timeline has been extended two years.
“This is a vital piece of public infrastructure and at a time the Government is promising to invest in infrastructure big time, it worries me that people associated with Transmission Gully are in the dark and coming to me for answers.
“People might be able to accept delays because of COVID-19, but only if the information is upfront and honest.
“In the final straight of construction of such a large project, which was due to be completed by the end of this year, it is a worry to hear that contracts for supply and equipment have been cut, and workforce numbers reduced.
“The concern for New Zealanders is that this is the biggest active road construction project on the Government’s horizon. The Government has signalled it wants to heavily invest in infrastructure projects, including roads, to stimulate the economic damage done by COVID-19. However, if Transmission Gully can’t be completed due to labour and budgetary issues, it undermines confidence in the Government’s ability to deliver on any other infrastructure projects.
“Transmission Gully is a much anticipated and key piece of motorway for the economic development of the lower North Island. We need answers now on what is happening with the project.”
In response to the industry rumours, transport minister Phil Twyford says the Government “is committed to completing Transmission Gully as soon as possible”.
“While there will be an impact on the completion date because of COVID-19, NZTA are still negotiating a new completion date and other issues with the contractors. I expect them to update the public with a new completion date as soon as they are able.
“There are hundreds of construction workers working hard on Government projects all around the country. The implication that they aren’t getting on with it and can’t deliver because of unsubstantiated rumours about one project is ridiculous.
“We’re working with the industry through the Construction Sector Accord to make sure we have the workforce needed to build economy-boosting and job-creating projects around the country.
“Moving to alert level 3 does not mean a return to pre-pandemic ways of working. Strict health and safety protocols are being followed at every site to keep workers and the public safe,” Twyford says.
Transmission Gully work resumed at level 3 with 182 workers across four reopened sites and 59 people working from home, NZ Transport Agency project delivery senior manager Andrew Thackwray says.
Around 80 workers including engineers, supervisors, stabilisation crew and paver operators have returned home overseas after leaving the country due to COVID-19, he says.
“Work is currently under way to develop a new delivery plan as quickly as possible, utilising local resources. Some people and equipment are unable to be utilised until this revised plan is finalised.”
Thackwray says work will now likely extend into 2021.
“As the project is a public-private partnership with different commercial terms, Waka Kotahi [NZTA] is negotiating with the builder, CPB/HEB Joint Venture, to confirm and agree a new completion date.”
The $1 billion project was due for completion in November this year and features a 27 kilometre four-lane motorway from Mackays Crossing to Linden, through Transmission Gully.
Four interchanges and two new link roads will connect the route to Mackays, SH58, eastern Porirua and Kenepuru.
