Strengthening connectivity and safety on Auckland’s North Shore.
Medallion Drive
Client: Auckland Transport
- 2 L3 roads
- 8 Super Tee Beams
- 18 months
- 2,000 m2 of revitalised wetland
Project Background
Recording an average of 30,000 vehicles per day, and as an Over Dimensional Route, Oteha Valley Road is a critical arterial route for the Albany Region.
Designated as a future growth area, providing infrastructure that improves connectivity, streamlines transportation services and enhances safety is a key goal for Auckland Transport.
Project Overview
Enter the Medallion Drive Link - the construction of a new 200m 2-lane link road between Oteha Valley Road and Fairview Avenue. The newly constructed link road, a 32m vehicular bridge crossing Lucas Creek, is complemented by a 3-metre shared path for walking and cycling on the eastern side of the road and footpath on the western side.
A signalised intersection at Oteha and a brand-new three-way roundabout at the Fairview Avenue junction link the Medallion extension to Oteha Valley Road. Replacing the roundabout at Medallion Drive / Oteha Valley Road, with a four-way signalised intersection, moderates traffic flow and increases safety at this busy junction.
The $9.5M upgrade is part of a larger package of works undertaken by Auckland Transport to facilitate growth, increase capacity and improve efficiencies across the network.
Medallion Drive Link, complete with improved road layout, shared-use paths, redesigned intersections, and enhanced safety features, allows vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians to move more safely and efficiently around the area.
Streamlining access for the established community, improvements at the Oteha Valley Road and Fairview junctions support the efficiency of existing intersections at SH1, Medallion Drive and Rising Parade.
Two box culverts, 1.5x1.5m and 1x1.5m, respectively, were constructed within Lucas Creek. Landscaping and urban design works included forming a 2,000m² wetland area to accommodate the stormwater overflow from Oteha Valley Road.
Te Aranga Design Principles formed the foundations for the project, from the urban design features to the environmental health of the wetland. A native planting scheme integrates with the existing landscape, incorporating cultural values using plant species designed to support the local wildlife.
Encouraging little minds
Working closely with local schools is an integral part of our kaupapa.
Extensive Traffic Management throughout the project saw staged lane closures throughout the reconstruction of the Oteha Valley Road Roundabout and full closures for the asphalting and commissioning of the new signalised intersection at Oteha.
Separate closures were instated for the construction of the Lucas Creek Bridge, while the construction of the roundabout at Fairview saw a combination of closure and stop/go methods utilised.
Barriers, signage and delineation methods were used to ensure public safety, and works were sequenced to mitigate disruption as much as possible. Conducted collectively by DW Traffic Management and our subcontractors, the team worked to ATOC, and client requirements to provide the highest standard of TTM, with safety maintained throughout.
The project saw some teachable moments and a few challenges, but the diligent work of the project team saw construction achieved in the expected construction timeframe.
Outside-of-the-box thinking saw differing methodologies proposed and used throughout construction, from pavement extensions to tie in with other projects and product innovations for speed tables.
With an intensive scope of work, many of our kaimahi worked outside their current roles, displaying a high level of skill and development.
The team brought their A-game to this project, building collaborative relationships and delivering quality workmanship. Strong relationships with ATOC and the client Auckland Transport underpinned the project with a collective, best-for-project approach.
Working with Auckland Transport to construct infrastructure for tomorrow.
