Frequently Asked Questions
- How has work progressed on the Manukau Extension project?
- What steps are being taken to minimise harm to the environment?
- What will be done to reduce the impact of construction in the area?
- What about Hayman Park?
- How is graffiti being managed on the project?
- What about the rail link into the city centre?
1. How has work progressed on the Manukau Extension project?
The project is approaching its completion in December and the motorway is being opened progressively in three stages between August and December. The southbound lanes connecting SH20 to SH1 are now open. In late September the westbound lanes will open, connecting SH1 to SH20. In December the Roscommon Road to Puhinui Road connecting road will be completed and the motorway will be fully open.
After the westbound lanes have opened in late September, traffic will not be able to access the SH20 motorway from Roscommon Road, and will instead use a signposted detour to get onto the motorway at Lambie Drive. During this time the new Roscommon-Cavendish connecting road will be constructed to link the motorway to the road to Auckland International Airport. The Puhinui Stream will also be realigned.
Over one kilometre of the 12.5 kilometre Puhinui Stream has already been diverted and over 1,000 eels and other aquatic life have been relocated in the local surrounding area. The project team will continue to implement environmental controls to protect the stream.
All twelve of the bridges have now been constructed and stand out as features along the route. An example is the distinctive chequer patterned western abutment on the SH1-SH20 flyover and the extensive planting of native bush along the motorway route.
2.What steps are being taken to minimise harm to the environment?
The project interacts with the Puhinui Stream in seven locations, and steps are being taken to protect the stream from sediment and pollutants, as well as physical damage to the embankments of the stream.
Sediment is made up of the soil particles that are washed into the stream and can block light and suffocate fish and other aquatic life.
The project team has installed 'fish baffles' to culverts, to slow down the stream current and keep that section of the stream habitable for fish.
When the motorway is completed, the landscaping will feature extensive planting of native plants and trees; including pohutakawa, flax and totara that will create a green corridor.
3. What will be done to reduce the impact of construction in the area?
The impacts of dust and noise are minimised throughout the project area. Dust is minimised by maintaining haul roads for trucks and using water trucks to dampen loose dust in open areas. The project team also regularly monitors dust, noise and vibration around the site.
Traffic shifts and road closures will be advertised and communicated to the public and stakeholders well in advance of changes taking place. Regular newsletters also give updates on project progress.
4. What about Hayman Park?
Hayman Park is an important green space in central Manukau which will be partially crossed by the SH20 Manukau Extension and Manukau Station Road, as well as the new Manukau Railway Station. The station is being constructed in collaboration with Manukau City Council and KiwiRail as part of the project.
Native trees and bush will be planted to replace the non-native plants that have had to be removed from the area.
5. How is graffiti being managed on the project?
All graffiti is removed as soon as possible after being identified. When the project is complete, concrete bridge beams and piers will have a special coating to make any graffiti easier to remove.
If you see graffiti on the project, please do not hesitate to contact the project team on 0800 SH20-2-1 (742 021).
6. What about the rail link into the city centre?
As part of the project, enabling work will be completed for the Manukau Rail Link to connect Manukau city centre with the North Island Main Trunk Line. This work is being completed on behalf of Manukau City Council. The contractor Leighton Works is also constructing the structure for the new Manukau Railway Station.
