ETA construction moves step closer

A start on Taupo’s long awaited East Taupo Arterial highway (ETA) moved another step closer this week with the appointment of a contractor to complete design plans and construct the highway.

The successful tenderer Fulton Hogan was one of three shortlisted contractors specifically selected by Council in December 2007 to tender for the design and construction contract for the $110 million project. The company’s tender price of $97.4 million was the lowest of the three submitted to Council.

Mayor Rick Cooper said the company impressed throughout the tender process and submitted a superior, workable and innovative design that addressed significant risks and came in at a very competitive price.

“The best news for Council and our community is that the tender price falls within the budget for the project despite recent big increases in fuel, steel and plastic which all could have impacted on costs.”

“The contractor has also had an active business presence in Taupo since the mid 1990s and will be using a number of local contractors during the duration of the contract which is an added bonus.”

He said a feature of the design submitted by Fulton Hogan is an “iconic” network arch bridge structure over the Waikato River at Wairakei which eliminates the need for any piers in the River. There will also be a 430 metre long elevated structure which will span the Contact Energy site.

The 16 kilometre ETA highway will run around the eastern outskirts of Taupo from Taupo Airport linking with State Highway One at Wairakei by way of a bridge over the Waikato River.
Project manager Ron Boyle said before physical construction can begin the contractor needs to submit final design plans to both Council and Transit NZ for approval and obtain final sign off for health and safety and environmental plans. Preliminary on-site work is due to get underway in mid-November. The bulk of the major earthworks is set down to start around March and continue through the winter months which will reduce the dust nuisance and environmental effects and help with compaction. Mr Boyle said the current focus is on getting road construction underway and if everything goes to plan the new highway could be completed by the middle of 2011.

The project is being funded by Taupo District Council with substantial financial assistance of 76.5% from Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ). The funding package from LTNZ recognizes the significant local benefit the route offers by taking heavy traffic away from the Taupo lakefront and regional support for the use of regionally distributed funding (R Funds) for the project. The highway is being built to State Highway standards so it can take the SH1 status when completed – recognising its role in the national roading network.