56 | Fulton Hogan Christchurch: NZTA SH75 Halswell Road improvements T T Bernadette Cooney Improving Chch transport network “Projects of this scale require tight coordination to ensure we’re making long-term improvements that will benefit residents, commuters, and businesses for years to come, and we’re proud to be part of it.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Fulton Hogan is nearing the halfway point of its civil construction works within the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA) $60 million SH75 Halswell Road upgrades in Christchurch. The project spans 2.6 km between Dunbars Road and Curletts Rd, and will improve bus-journey times, enhance road safety, and support the rapidly growing southwest areas of Christchurch. On track for its completion date of October 2026, the SH75 project has been running smoothly, says Fulton Hogan project manager Ryan McMahon. Despite the scale of the project, Fulton Hogan is keeping north and southbound traffic flowing throughout its construction. “One of our key commitments is to keep SH75 open in both directions at all times, which we’ve achieved,” says Ryan. “We’ve worked hard to minimise traffic impacts as much as possible. Any necessary restrictions have been carefully planned and monitored.” The project team uses Google traffic data to assess congestion levels and adjust management strategies. The scope of works being undertaken by Fulton Hogan during the two-and-a-half-year project that began in April last year includes: widening the 2.5km corridor to accommodate 4.2m-wide bus lanes in both directions, with improved bus stops and bus priority measures; installing three new, signalised intersections at Rowley Avenue, Warren Crescent, and Aidanfield Drive, with an added mid-block crossing at Tankerville Rd and upgrades to existing signals at Dunbars Rd; new, 3m-wide shared paths on both sides of the road between Dunbars Rd and Augustine Drive/Monsaraz Boulevard, and a 2.5m-wide two-way cycle path on the northern side of the road between Augustine Drive and Curletts Road; and full pavement reconstruction, expected to significantly improve road durability. A notable innovation in the project is the adoption of a lower-temperature asphalt production method, reducing energy use and improving health and safety for workers. “We’re working with NZTA to modify the way we make asphalt so we can achieve the same product at cooler temperatures,” Ryan explains. Landscaping and lighting enhancements are included, as well as a commitment to plant two trees for every one removed. Plus, there will be upgrades to power, communication, water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The project follows a meticulous construction strategy, balancing urban and greenfield zones with differing sequencing. In urban areas, southbound lanes are completed first, then traffic is shifted to allow northbound construction. In greenfield areas, northbound lanes are built first before work begins on the southbound lanes. “We have around 80 to 100 workers on-site daily, coordinating complex construction phases,” says Ryan. “It’s a large-scale, high-profile urban NZTA project, which will also support the imminent development in the area.” Fulton Hogan is working closely with stakeholders, including Spokes Canterbury (a cycling advocacy group), residents, the city council and its contractors. SH75 upgrade will bring Christchurch a more resilient and efficient transport network. “Projects of this scale require tight coordination to ensure we’re making long-term improvements that will benefit residents, commuters, and businesses for years to come, and we’re proud to be part of it.” NZ's preferred machine control system Unicontrol machine control hardware empowers earthmoving companies to achieve unparalleled precision in their operations. With Unicontrol, you can effortlessly transform designs into reality, ensuring every movement aligns with your plans. Unparalleled Accuracy • Increased Efficency • Remote Management www.baypositioning.co.nz 0508 UNI GPS (0508 864 477) info@baypositioning.co.nz
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