| 73 Ashburton: Tru-Line Civil Delivering a vibrant CBD for town Kelly Deeks New infrastructure above and below ground has transformed Ashburton’s CBD. CONTRACTING JCL Asphalt canterbury@jclasphalt.co.nz www.jclasphalt.co.nz Servicing Christchurch and surrounding areas Call us on 0800 JCL NOW (0800 525 669) today for a quote Proud to be supporting Tru-Line Civil Ltd Ashphalt, Chipseal & Construction Specialists We Provide concrete kerbs, channels and footpaths for: Road reconstructions • Subdivisions • Maintenance works • Driveways • Residential gardens Phone: 027 433 0531 | Office: 03 344 1597 | Fax: 03 344 1578 | Email: info@kerbandchannel.net.nz | PO Box 16-591, Hornby, Christchurch 8441 Proud to support Tru-Line Civil Ltd Rubber Matting Supply & Install Tru-Line Civil was the main contractor on a high profile streetscape revitalisation project for Ashburton’s CBD and has delivered the town a vibrant and viable space to shop and do business. Tru-Line Civil project manager Conor Redmond says the two-year project was a major one due to the number of businesses and access points across these six streets, and the amount of services that had to go into them. “Nearly every street had new Three Waters infrastructure, roading, lighting, and paving,” he says. Most of the footpaths outside of retail and hospitality businesses have been widened, and a new paved footpath has been installed in two common areas between East Street and the railway track. The large numbers of footpaths and large quantities of block paving were excavated and prepped by Tru-Line Civil, while the pavements were completed by Kreisel Contracting whose quality workmanship and personal approach made them an invaluable part of the team. The rain gardens, conventional gardens, berm reinstatement, tree removal and planting of various plants and trees, and the construction of uniquely designed tree pits were subcontracted to Outer Space Landscapes. While the visually appreciable aspect of the revitilisation project has all happened on the surface, even more work has gone on underground to ensure the infrastructure is going to meet the future needs of Ashburton. “We had to trench down nearly every footpath to install water main and ducting for power,” Conor says. “These things don’t really get seen but they were a massive part of the project. We would have 20 to 30 businesses and driveways on any one street, so we took advantage of the low traffic volumes at night to make sure we caused less disruption to the businesses.” Surrounding homes and businesses were kept informed of upcoming works via letter drops and social media, while Ashburton District Council provided regular and accurate information updates and public forums for the community to voice any concerns. Tru-Line Civil used local contractors where possible, as it is always important for the company to support the local economy wherever it is working. Spray Marks took care of the traffic management and pedestrian management, and being local also did night checks and weekend checks of the site. A Team Construction and Excavation helped with various works including the footpaths, trenching, and prepping for asphalt and paving. The project was delivered on time at the beginning of December last year, in time for the Christmas shopping rush despite six weeks of Covid lockdowns and significant rain events occurring during this project. Tru-Line Civil commercial manager Grant Johnston says the Ashburton District Council was great to work with and the Tru-Line team felt very welcome as they stayed over most weeks during the construction phases. “We felt we were part of the community,” he says. “In 2020 we sponsored the Light up the Night Christmas event and put our vehicles on display for the kids to go through. We handed out some of the Christmas gifts we sponsored.” Having seen the dated infrastructure and multiple trip hazards that made walking around town not a pleasant experience, Conor says the Ashburton CBD is now so much more inviting, open, clean, and tidy. “It’s a joy to see people coming in, sitting down, and having their lunch. You always wonder at the start of a project whether it is going to do what it’s designed to do, and to see it achieved at the end is really pleasing.” “Nearly every street had new Three Waters infrastructure, roading, lighting, and paving.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=