31 March 2016 | AUCKLAND

Testing work to start on East West project

As part of the planning and consenting phase of the East West project, the NZ Transport Agency will be carrying out ground testing work throughout April.

From Monday 4 April until Friday 13 May, contractors will test ground conditions along the proposed route as well as in the wider project area of Onehunga, Penrose and Otahuhu.

The East West project is part of the Government’s accelerated package of Auckland transport projects and was referred to by the Prime Minister, John Key, in January this year as one of the Government’s top priorities and a project of national significance.

It is being delivered by the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport to improve freight efficiency, commuter travel, public transport and walking and cycling options over the next 30 years.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highways Manager Brett Gliddon says the information will then be used to better understand the local environment.

“The more we know about ground conditions in the area, the more this can be used to develop the design for the project in more detail.”

Mr Gliddon says the testing work is in selected areas and the project team will be working closely with individual property owners and businesses to minimise any disruption while the work is set up and carried out.

“The testing involves drilling boreholes with a large rig machine, creating pits with a digger and installing probes into the ground. Contractors will set up the equipment and monitor the drilling machines.”

“A range of environmental specialists will also be walking the entire route to carry out initial surveys and sampling in the coming weeks. This work will measure what effects the project is likely to have on the surrounding environment and this information will be available in the middle of this year.”

The work will be carried out by the East West Link Alliance, made up of GHD, Beca, Buddle Findlay and the NZ Transport Agency. The Alliance which was formed this month will progress with preparing the consents and reports needed to support the Transport Agency’s application to lodge an application with the Environmental Protection Authority at the end of the year.

Together with Auckland Transport, the Transport Agency is also planning to start work later this year on a package of early improvements aimed at providing benefits to freight and motorists along SH20 and around Onehunga local roads, starting with four laning a section of Neilson Street.

For more information about the East West Link project, please visit www.nzta.govt.nz/east-west

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