SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel

28 November 2023

Bridge update

The team last week began the process of securing the side barriers to the bridge deck. By last Friday 31 of the 48 concrete ‘stitch’ pours had been completed, with the remainder to be done this week. The steel rails that run along the top of the concrete barriers will be delivered to site shortly and installed next week.

On the eastern approach to the bridge the team stabilised the basecourse layer for the new pavement and have been installing the stormwater u-channels.

On the western approach the team installed the bridge expansion joint, poured the knock-off block and started work on reinstating the road to connect to the new bridge.

Mesh is now being installed to stabilise the top steep section of the slip face, and work continues with drainage works below the bridge.

Mesh is now being installed across the top of the slip-face

Work underway on the eastern approach to the bridge

Meet the team - Project Engineer Alison Craigie

Project engineer Alison Craigie is the project engineer for the bridge ‘superstructure’ - the bridge deck and piers, and works for Fulton Hogan. 

 Tell us a little bit about your work history – how long have you been doing this, what other projects have you worked on? 

I’ve been working in construction and predominantly bridge projects for nearly 12 years. I first found myself on a construction site as a summer student at Victoria Park Tunnel back in 2011/2012. Since then I have worked on several large bridge projects across Auckland and have most recently worked on the Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade in Wanaka.  

 What is special about this one, and have any previous projects given you good insights for this one? 

This one is special because it means so much to so many people for different reasons. The impact that the loss of this critical roading connection has had on the community is very clear and it’s awesome being part of the team that is reconnecting the link. The goal of the project has always been very clear and the speed with which we have been able to progress has been outstanding. All previous projects have given me good insights for this one, little details where we have been able to make improvements based on past experience or identifying previous issues and stamping them out ahead of time. 

 Any local links? 

None previously, but I now have new links in Thames and will definitely be keeping in touch with friends at the Squash Club. 

Are you living locally during the project and where is home? 

I am living in Thames in a house in the Kaueranga Valley during the project. I am originally from Auckland but moved to Wanaka two years ago. 

What might locals spot you doing outside of work – sports/hobbies/interests? 

Locals have been spotting me at the squash club quite frequently. I may also be found going for a swim in one of the beautiful local swimming spots.

Overnight road closures for resealing in Paeroa

Road resurfacing is underway on SH2 at Paeroa this week. Overnight road closures are required for this work with traffic management in place from 8pm to 5am, the road will be open during the day with a temporary speed limit.

The night-time detour is via SH26 (Arney Street) and Station Road. This work is weather dependent. 

More information

For more information on the SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel project, contact us at coromandel@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/thames-coromandel