Will I be able to access properties on Awapuni Road?

You will be able to access properties for the majority of the upgrade however, access will be restricted for a short period of time on the day machinery is outside each property. Contractors will visit residents between 4–7pm the night before works are scheduled to take place outside each property and will discuss any restrictions on a case by case basis. Timing will vary but it is likely that restrictions to access will be in place for up to an hour for each property. We are working with businesses on Awapuni Road to minimise disruption and loss of business.

Please refer to the schedule above to see which week the works will take place outside your property. If you have any concerns about access or parking, please contact Michael Walding at Downer on 027 703 8035.

Will I be able to park on the side of the road?

Cars will need to be removed from parking lanes by 7am on the day of scheduled works. Any cars that have not been moved will be towed to a nearby spot outside of the works area. You will be given notice in person or via a letter in advance of parking restrictions outside your property.

What kind of noise and disruption will occur?

Road milling and asphalt laying will take place between 7am–7pm. Digging up the existing road surface will be the noisiest part of the works. Replacing the surface with asphalt will not be as noisy but vibrations from rollers will be felt and heard. You may notice steam rising from the hot asphalt once laid, and an odour for a short period of time.

Other works such as line marking and service lid re-levelling will take place between 7am and 8.30pm. Do not be surprised to see contractors digging up the newly-laid asphalt around service lids: this is the correct process for achieving the smoothest result. Drainage improvements will also be made in the road shoulder beginning late April, which will restrict roadside parking for some residents, who will be told in advance.

We apologise for the disruption this will cause and thank you for your patience.

What will the traffic impacts of the upgrade be?

Motorists should plan their journey, and avoid Awapuni Road if possible. Major delays of up to 30 minutes are expected for the duration of these works. Please consider an alternative route such as Salisbury Road, Kahutia Street, Anzac Street, Lytton Road or Childers Road.

Awapuni Road will be kept open under stop/go traffic management with a 30km/ph speed restriction in place. Traffic queues are expected on Customhouse Street, Stanley Road, Grey Street and on Awapuni Road.

The Beacon Street/Awapuni Road intersection and the Roberts Road/Awapuni Road intersection will be closed to motorists throughout different stages of the project.

Heavy vehicles

SH35/Awapuni Road is the only approved HPMV route. Heavy vehicle drivers should expect major delays and plan ahead. There is no approved alternative route available for HPMV.

Pedestrians

Pedestrian access will remain. There will be no changes to footpaths throughout this project. Please remain cautious around machinery and equipment, as machinery drivers have blind spots. Never cross through a road works site. Please talk to a traffic controller if you need assistance.

What safety precautions do I need to take?

Please be cautious when driving or walking through the area, as it will be busy with work crews and machinery. Please respect the speed restriction in place which is there for the safety of work crews and road users. Please also ensure that pets and children are kept away from the site unless supervised.

What benefits will the project deliver?

As well as future-proofing the road, the project is also delivering:

  • kerb and channel repairs in various locations
  • maintenance work at damaged entrance ways to prevent water getting under the road
  • investigation works to identify underground services to make them easier to access in future works

What is involved in the process of asphalt concreting?

The asphalt concrete (AC) plant is like a giant food processor that churns all the mix needed. This is trucked on to the site and then placed using a machine that lays the asphalt on to the road surface, flat and level.