The Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway starts south of the existing Tamahere interchange and runs for 16km, ending around 2.5km south of Cambridge where it connects with the existing State Highway 1. It was completed in December 2015.
When complete the Waikato Expressway will be the key strategic transport corridor for the Waikato region, connecting Auckland to the agricultural and business centres of Waikato and Bay of Plenty. It will improve economic growth and productivity by more efficiently moving people and freight.
link SH1 south of Tamahere to the existing SH1 south of Cambridge
reduce traffic congestion and intersection delays
improve safety through Cambridge by significantly reducing through traffic
improve safety for local pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and traffic
reduce traffic noise in Cambridge town.
The Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway opened to traffic on December 16, 2015. A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the road to the public was held on December 15, 2015, Minister for Transport, Hon Simon Bridges cutting the ribbon before a community day was held to celebrate the project’s completion.
The NZ Transport Agency gives careful consideration to the effects our projects have on cultural and historic heritage values. The Cambridge section features three prominent artworks which help connect road users with the history and cultural significance of the area. Have a look at this video which talks about their development.
Take a flight over the completed Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway.
The contract for the construction of the section was awarded to HEB Construction. Construction started in September 2013 and will be completed by late 2016.
The 16km long Cambridge section passes to the north and east of Cambridge. It will connect with the existing Tamahere interchange to the north and with the existing SH1 to the south of Cambridge town.
Within the Cambridge area, interchanges will be provided at Discombe Road, at the existing SH1B and Victoria Road and at the south end of the section, where the Expressway will link with the existing SH1, just south of Cambridge Golf Club.
CloseThe first stage - “Preliminary Investigation” was undertaken by Opus International Consultants for the Transport Agency (then known as Transit New Zealand) in 1991.
The second stage – “Secondary Investigation and Specimen Design” was then undertaken by Opus.
The third stage – “Detailed design and construction”. The project is now in this phase with construction having started in September 2013.
Following the appointment of HEB Construction as the contractor for the project, the Transport Agency, HEB and the project’s lead designers URS have worked on the final detailed design of the project. This process has allowed the contractor to incorporate any design innovations they presented at the tender stage, into the project’s final design.
CloseThe Transport Agency and Hamilton City Council jointly continue investigating the Southern Links project. This investigation aims to identify and protect a future transport network to the south of the city. A route designation has been identified and notified, with a hearing to be held mid-year.
The Southern Links work is quite separate from the Waikato Expressway and focuses on the long term growth south of Hamilton. Nevertheless the teams working on both of these projects are in close liaison to ensure plans for Southern Links and the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway will work effectively together.
The construction of the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway is within an already designated highway corridor and will progress significantly faster than the Southern Links work. Any new roads confirmed by the Southern Links study are not programmed for construction within the next 10 years. Further information regarding the Southern Links project can be obtained from Grant Eccles, Southern Links Consultation Leader southern.links@aecom.com
The Expressway passes through land, which has needed to be purchased from a range of individuals, farms and organisations. Processes for managing land purchase or compensation for those affected by the new road are laid out in the Public Works Act and summarised in a useful guide “Landowner’s rights” which is available from Land Information New Zealand or via their website www.linz.govt.nz(external link)
CloseThe NZ Transport Agency is committed to improving the contribution state highways make to the environment and social wellbeing of New Zealand by:
protecting and enhancing the environment
using and managing resources efficiently
considering environmental issues early
contributing to sustainable outcomes by working with others
continually improving environmental performance.
Noise levels will comply with the latest standards. Measures used will include:
Monitoring of noise during construction and advance notification of any unavoidably noisy construction activity.
Haul routes for moving materials will be away from main roads and sensitive residential areas wherever practicable.
Landscaped buffer zones and noise barriers to protect local residents, businesses and sensitive areas from road noise.
Careful consideration will be given to native wildlife and habitats in order to minimise impact and disruption.
Landscaping and planting will be used to mitigate the visual impacts of the new road and create a pleasant environment for both road users and others.
Culverts will be used and plans developed to manage natural water flows and drainage.
CloseTo protect this history the following measures will be used:
protocols and agreements with local Iwi
engagement of cultural heritage monitors
liaison with local historical groups
on site archaeological controls to ensure that approved processes are followed.
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