I had the pleasure to catch up with the Harrison Contracting Ltd and Downer NZ crews yesterday as they near completion of the seal and drainage works in Victoria Street, Dargaville. I was joined by Deputy Mayor Gordon Lambeth and Joesephine Nathan - Kaipara District Councillor.
The purpose of these rehabilitation works are to strengthen the road pavement and improve its storm water drainage.
This is a unique site. Investigations revealed that old seal situated about 200mm below the existing surface was trapping moisture between the layers of old and new seal. That trapped moisture contributed to a weakened pavement structure. The new pavement design ensured that this was addressed.
It was also found that an old storm water culvert running under Victoria Street near the State Highway had been blocked with concrete, causing the saturation of the lower end of Victoria Street. New drainage upgrades have been installed to address this.
Work started in the second week of March, with roading crews upgrading the drainage and then the pavement structure with fresh metal and stabilisation works.
The overall cost of the project is approximately $880,000, with 62 per cent subsidised by NZTA. This includes around $750,000 for pavement works and $130,000 for drainage renewals (including kerb and channel and cesspits).
Line marking and sweeping will be completed soon, once the new seal has fully cured.
Separately, around $250,000 in additional drainage improvements is also planned for Victoria Street near the shopping area.
I have to say I'm really pleased with the great job Harrisons have done on the rehabilitation of this former bumpy section of the road.
Local contractors delivering great results for our local communities.
Photo: L to R Cody Godfrey Downer Site Engineer, Varunesh Sinha KDC Roading Manager, Mark Taylor Downer Operations Manager, Deon van Rooyen Downer Contract Manager, Deputy Mayor Gordon Lambeth, Councillor Joesephine Nathan, Mayor Jonathan Larsen, Richard Harrison 'The Boss' Harrison Contracting
