Lake Rd intersection upgrade back on track

September 20, 2007
 

A midden discovered during a major intersection upgrade in North Shore City was probably of European origin, and has little remaining historic or educational value, according to an archaeologist’s report.

Council contractors can now proceed with the upgrade, after getting the green light from the Historic Places Trust.

The archaeologist’s report, conducted on behalf of North Shore City Council, found the midden dated to the 19th century, and contained oyster, cockle, mussel and paua shells as well as glass, ceramics and iron.

“The absence of charcoal, ash and rocks indicates that whoever deposited the shell was not using traditional Maori cooking methods,” the report says.

A midden is a site where the remains of food preparation - often shells, bones, and charcoal from fires - were buried. These sites may date back to pre-European settlement and can provide evidence of the lifestyle and diet of local Maori, or early European settlers.

Work was suspended on the south-western side of the intersection after the midden was discovered in July.

“It was important for us to go through the correct procedures to have the site investigated,” North Shore City’s group manager projects, maintenance and operations, Wally Potts, says.

“Now these procedures have been followed, we can get back to work.”

Contractors are now laying new storm water pipes under the intersection. Then a trench will be dug to allow services such as phone and electricity to be laid below the new footpath.

In coming weeks a retaining wall will be built in front of properties on Lake Rd before work starts on the new road layout.

“At times, traffic may have to be diverted around the intersection, so we’re asking road users to be extra careful when driving in this area,” Mr Potts says.

When complete, the new intersection will have two left-turn lanes from Lake Rd into Esmonde Rd, as well as cycle lanes and a northbound bus advance lane.

(ends)

© Scoop Media