Watch: Progress on the Petone to Ngauranga shared path
Monday, 9 September 2024
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The world’s smallest penguin is breeding on Wellington’s biggest construction site.
The shared path and seawall between Petone and Ngauranga was making good progress but construction crews would be keeping a careful eye out for the birds, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi regional manager Jetesh Bhula said.
There are currently three pairs of kororā/little blue penguins nesting there.
“Over the next few weeks, our team will monitor their movements using trail cams and ecological sweeps before construction activity takes place, with additional signage and cordoned zones so we don't disturb them.”
Last year the project found itself in hot water over the death of a number of kororā.
DOC decided to warn rather than prosecute the contractors.
Bhula said the project is taking the arrival of nesting birds seriously.
Once construction finishes, the new coastline will provide more protection and habitat for the kororā.
The project recently reached a major milestone. Over 40% of the interlocking concrete blocks blocks that underpin the seawall are now in place.
Bhula said they are now at the halfway stage and are on track to finish in 2026.
Although the weather has been co-operative, it has not all been plain sailing for the project which started in March 2023 with an initial budget of $312 million.
The cost has increased by $36.8m and Bhula said the extra funding would allow the project to finish on time.
“This funding decision means we can complete the work we are halfway through. Cost escalation has been significant and above the average annual rate of inflation. Our teams have been working productively and efficiently since construction commenced. However, we had exhausted all avenues to acquire further savings.”
The project is an important one for the region, as it will protect vital infrastructure ‒ the state highway and rail network.
As well as the creation of an artificial offshore reef to offset the run-off from the seawall, it features a number of environmental features, including fish passage culverts.
The culverts will allow fish to move between fresh water and salt water during migration.
Bhula said the project is supporting kororā in the bird of the year competition.
More about the project
The shared path is 4.5km long with a 5m sealed surface on the seaward side of the railway line. It is expected to be finished by 2026.
Sloping embankments (known as revetments) built of either boulders or concrete armour units, will protect the shared path, road and rail line from erosion by waves. The design allows for it to be built on to in the future to adapt to climate change and the rising harbour level.
The project is part of a bigger project, known as Te Ara Tupua, which will eventually make it possible to safely cycle/walk from Wellington to Eastbourne.
NZTA estimated that, by 2030, more than 2100 trips a day would be taken by bike each week day along the path, as well as 360 walking or running trips, and 290 trips on e-scooters and the like.
6800 concrete 2.6 tonne “Xblocs” will be used.
2700 cubic metres of concrete sea wall poured.
Kororā stand 25 cm tall and weigh about 1 kg.
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