60 | Mt Messenger Alliance T T Hugh de Lacy Challenges aplenty on by-pass project “The most challenging aspect has just been getting to the construction site through this very steep hill country, and we’ve had to resort firstly to a 110-metre cable-way, plus a temporary bridge, and building an access track that required cuts up to 60 metres high.” INFRASTRUCTURE One more land purchase to go, and the Mount Messenger Alliance will have a clear path to the completion of the $365 million by-pass between Taranaki and the Waikato that will slash vehicle emissions by cutting a low-altitude route through precipitous hill-country. Called Te Ara o Te Ata, the six kilometres of new road will be about 65 metres lower – and a lot straighter – than the current steep and winding road, and, while it will shorten the travel time by just four to six minutes, it will deliver huge savings in reduced emissions from the $21 million worth of freight that is hauled through it every day. The 6km bypass includes a 235m tunnel and two bridges, one of 125m and the other 30m “We’ve so far completed about 20% of the earthmoving involved in the project; we’re coming up on halfway through the tunnel, shot-creting as we go, and we’ve got the abutments built on the longer bridge,” Mount Messenger Alliance project manager, Caleb Perry says. “The most challenging aspect has just been getting to the construction site through this very steep hill country, and we’ve had to resort firstly to a 110-metre cable-way, plus a temporary bridge, and building an access track that required cuts up to 60 metres high. “The earthworks just getting there have been staggering – it’s not like it’s a flat paddock. We recently managed to get a 280-tonne crawler crane on to the site so we can build the carriageway for the main bridge, and that was an achievement in itself.” The alliance formed to deliver the project comprises Waka Kotahi NZTA (NZ Transport Authority), HEB Construction, and Downer, with engineering design by Tonkin and Taylor and WSP. Work is proceeding from the south, rather than from both ends at the same time, with the tunnel expected to be completed early next year, and the bridge later that year, leading to a project completion target of mid-2027. The project has faced opposition from environmental and land-owner groups, and the cost has ballooned from the $89.5m estimate when the project was first proposed in 2016, to $280m in 2021, and a further $85m since. “There’s necessarily been a raft of legal processes we’ve had to go through that have added a lot to the cost of the project, but we’ve managed to achieve consensus as to its value from all parties,” Caleb says. “We have one final land acquisition to complete, at the northern end, then we’ll have the legal processes behind us and be clear to finish the job.” In early July this year the High Court rejected a final appeal by the owners of the 11ha block of land, Debbie and Tony Pascoe, and confirmed the Environment Court’s earlier support for its compulsory acquisition. The North Taranaki communities at either end of the by-pass are benefiting from an investment of around $200m in their local economy, creating jobs and long-term prospects in an area that’s been feeling the pinch from the recent economic downturn. PETER SOLE TRANSPORT • General Farm Cartage • Lime Supply • Fertiliser, Lime Spreading & Cartage • Pit & Crushed Metal Supply • Digger • Hiab • 4x4 Tipper • Truck & Low Loader Hire • Rock & Demolition Cartage • Round Hay baling &Wrapping • Maize & Grass Silage Cartage • Automat trucks for low shed deliveries • Palm Kernal deliveries • Auger Truck Silo deliveries • Water Cartage • Hook Bin Hire • Concrete Recycling facilities DISTRIBUTORS OF BIOBOOST Slow release granular fert has 67% organic matter for feeding crops, pasture, lawns, gardens and trees. Is weed free, environmentally safe & doesn’t burn. Enquiries to: 06 754 8454 or 027 443 1809
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