Providing the community with greater connectivity.
Horsham Downs Link Road
Client: Waikato District Council
- 2 months ahead of schedule
- 97% the average compliance rate of monthly Regional Health and Safety Advisor audits
- 350 metre intersection widening
- 60,000 m³ of dirt was shifted to form the link road
Project Background
Horsham Down is a rural community located approximately 9.5km from Hamilton. Sitting adjacent to the new Waikato Expressway, the area is home to approximately 800 people.
The Horsham Downs Link Road project aims to provide the community with greater connectivity.
Project Overview
Engaged as the lead contractor for this project, the scope of works included widening Horsham Downs Road and the construction of a new link road and shared-use path.
Commencing in February 2022, the $2.8m project was an excellent opportunity for our team to showcase their capabilities, delivering our largest project for Waikato District Council to date.
The 450m link road runs downhill from Horsham Downs Road to connect Horsham Downs Road with Resolution Drive at the southern bound on/off ramp. Horsham Downs Road was widened over 350m at the intersection with the proposed Link Road.
The shared path, running alongside the new road, forms part of the 4.5km walking and cycling link between Horsham Downs Village and Hamilton.
Approximately 60,000m3 of dirt was shifted to form the link road, with 10,000m3 of historically placed uncertified material encountered at the alignment of the link road.
Establishing an excellent relationship with the neighbouring site from commencement, 33,000m3 of dirt was borrowed from their property to be utilised as structural fill. The borrow site was reinstated and returned to the owner in good condition.
Additionally, the base course was required to be cement stabilised to maximise its density to withstand traffic loads designed for the carriageway. Finally, approximately 7,000m2 of double coat chip seal was laid for the project with specific tie-in specifications to the existing pavement at the Expressway pavement.
An efficient methodology was crucial for this portion of the work, with the team working on smaller sections of the road to ensure that the pavement construction was completed to specification.
The project also included the installation of a 3m x 2.5m pedestrian/stock underpass. The underpass will connect to future developments on the neighbouring farm. Streetlighting, signage, landscaping, and fencing complete the works, with the junction integrating seamlessly with the surrounding roading network.
Strict environmental controls were maintained throughout the project, including silt fencing and sediment control ponds to mitigate runoff.
Approximately 250m of stormwater pipes have been installed with diameters ranging from 300mm to 750mm. A detention pond that will cater for a 6,000m3 volume of stormwater storage was built as part of the scope.
The successful delivery of Horsham Downs Link Road resulted from an excellent team effort.
Poi Palu
Project Manager
Proactive engagement from the outset resulted in positive relationships with the local community, including the school, iwi, church group and neighbouring properties.
The depth of this relationship saw the school approach Dempsey Wood regarding hosting a group of students working on a school project.
We escorted the group around the site showcasing our machinery and providing insight into the civil construction business and how we work.
Proposing an alternate methodology early into construction, the team undertook multiple activities simultaneously to maximise productivity.
By conducting both the widening of Horsham Downs and the extension of Resolution Drive simultaneously, the team was able to deliver the project two months ahead of schedule.
The successful delivery of Horsham Downs Link Road resulted from an excellent team effort supported by Waikato District Council and the local community.
