ETA flyover through Contact Energy steam pipe field underway

Construction of the East Taupo Arterial is well underway with the timing of works designed to minimise disruption to local tourist operators.

Currently some of the Fulton Hogan project team are working on a key section at the northern end of the project, just off Karetoto Road in Wairakei. Preparation works are being carried out for the longest bridge in the project - the 440 metre flyover bridge going through Contact Energy’s steam pipe field.

This piece of work involves the realignment of Boat Access Road, ground preparation including an eight metre high abutment and construction of 20 piers up to 20 metres high, which form the sub-structure of the flyover. This work is programmed to be complete by October 2009.

This significant chunk of construction has been timed to coincide with what is traditionally a quieter tourist period, to minimise disruption for local tourist operators in the area including Huka Falls Jet and the Prawn Farm.

“It is really exciting to see the Fulton Hogan team moving into the physical construction phase of the project now. This flyover through Contact Energy’s steam field is quite an engineering feat – just one of many we will see with the development of this significant project,” said Mayor Rick Cooper.



END



ETA project overview
The 16km highway, which runs along the eastern outskirts of Taupo (from Wairakei to Taupo Airport) and includes a bridge over the Waikato River, is expected to be complete in March 2011.

The objective of the East Taupo Arterial is to reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling through the Taupo CBD and along the lakefront and to reduce traffic congestion during holiday season and events.

The current total project cost is estimated at $110 million including construction, investigation design and land purchase. The New Zealand Transport Agency has approved funding assistance of 76.5% and based on current project estimates, Taupo District Council’s cost will be approximately $25.8 million. Council’s share will be funded by the sale of land it owns and from development contributions.