14 | 2024 CCNZ Awards: Rhodes for Roads T T Virginia Wright Keeping roads safe and serviceable Rhodes for Roads was a key partner in constructing the Northern Expressway (NX2) between Puhoi and Warkworth. “It was on our back doorstep and we really appreciated being a key part in what was undertaken.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT It is nearly 40 years since Warwick and Katie Rhodes established their civil construction and transport contracting business, Rhodes for Roads, operating out of Warkworth. Warwick had just completed 10 years taking care of local roads for Rodney County Council, and he saw the opportunity that came with de-regulation and the work being contracted out. They started with a grader, roller and water-truck specialising in pavement preparation for sealed roads, but were soon expanding to manage the variety of work coming their way including forestry roads, property development, supporting the farming industry and working on the Northern and Southern motorways. Warwick and Katie value the relationships Rhodes for Roads has built along the way, with clients and staff alike. “Our transport does the bulk supply of materials and we’re working for some local dairy farms that are into their third generation. We’ve also got staff that have been here for 32 years, and we’ve had three generations of family employed at the same time. Our sons Troy and Tyson both work in the business as well,” says Warwick with pride. These days, a staff of 40 runs a fleet of trucks, rollers and whatever other heavy machinery their various teams need to complete the work in hand. They have a partnership with Downer to maintain, repair and build local roads across hundreds of kilometres throughout the northern section of Auckland District Council (formerly Rodney) from Silverdale to Topuni, as well as larger contracts. “We’ve worked for and with Downer for many decades now. In the last few years we carried out a lot of work after the big weather events, which led up to Cyclone Gabrielle,” says Warwick. Recently, Rhodes for Roads was a key partner in constructing the Northern Expressway (NX2) between Puhoi and Warkworth. They worked directly with the Fletcher-Acciona Joint Venture through the construction process and they are now involved in exploring the next stage further north. A lot has changed in their 40-odd years of involvement in motorway construction, from the machinery they use to the engineering design and the methodology used to build a modern, fit-for-purpose motorway. With challenging terrain in play, Warwick appreciated the focus on health and safety. “You don’t just go in and build the road these days; there are numerous procedures in place. “We say the safety code’s been written in blood over the years, as things have changed because of the way it used to be done. Having a work-safe environment is part of our structure now.” The NX2 construction team responded to the increased risk that came with the first extreme weather event by removing more of the typically soft soil and clay from the top of the embankments, cutting the batters further back and thus reducing the likelihood that material would slip down across the highway. When Cyclone Gabrielle hit the new motorway alignment, it certainly proved its worth as the structure preserved its integrity throughout and remained useable although it was closed to the public. “It was on our back doorstep and we really appreciated being a key part in what was undertaken. The land in our area is always moving, but the new alignment suits the sandstone substructure below very well,” says Warwick. Rhodes for Roads appreciated the work, but more importantly they appreciate the access to safer travel the newly constructed road allows for locals and tourists alike, including improved access for freight to the north. They will continue to play a part in keeping it operational as they are a primary subcontractor for maintenance and emergency work for at least the next 25 years. In the interim there are staff retirements to arrange, 21st birthdays to look forward to and come August next year, Warwick himself will be celebrating 50 years of working in and around the Rodney District keeping the roads safe and serviceable for all. Sakai. Masters of Compaction. Unrivalled pioneers in road and construction equipment. Sales, rental, 24/7 breakdown support, parts & finance available. Get in touch with our North Harbour branch today. abequipment.co.nz | 0800 30 30 90
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