18 Sep 2021

Latest Transmission Gully delay blamed on Covid-19 outbreak

12:56 pm on 18 September 2021

Level 3 restrictions and supply chain problems mean a new opening date will need to be set for the $1.2 billion Transmission Gully project, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.

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Work has resumed on the 27km motorway. (file pic) Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas

In a statement today, the agency said it has been advised that contractor Wellington Gateway Partnership and its subcontractor, CPB HEB Joint Venture, can no longer meet the 27 September deadline.

Work on the project has been affected by alert level 3 restrictions and supply chain constraints caused by Auckland's extended lockdown, general manager transport services Brett Gliddon said.

Work has resumed on the 27km motorway which will provide a safer, more reliable route for motorists travelling between Wellington and the lower North Island, and will also be more resilient in the event of earthquakes and storms.

Bridge 27 and 28 November 2019

(file pic) Photo: NZTA / Mark Tantrum

"Waka Kotahi, WGP and CPB HEB are working together to understand the full impacts of the lockdown and restrictions on the project, and confirm a new opening date," Gliddon said.

"We know that people are keen to see the road open as soon as possible, and everyone is working as fast as they can to get it open to the public."

The contractor also has to undertake safety and asset quality assurance work, and ensure compliance with environmental consent conditions before the motorway can open.

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