8 November 2017
Media: Rotorua Review
Topic: Roadworks projects
Inquiry
We are doing a comprehensive package on all the roading projects happening/to happen (as detailed in last week's Operations and Monitoring agenda)
The $10m central corridor
1. Who is the design consultant
2. When will the design be finalised?
3. What work is involved?
4. Who is paying the $10m? What is the breakdown (e.g. NZTA pays $8m, council pays $2m)
5. What are the reasons behind developing his corridor?
SH efficiency projects
1. What are the proposed works for the Ngongotaha roundabout, exit from SH30 to SH5, the Waipa intersection?
2. What are the "three other locations" mentioned in the agenda?
3. What are the reasons for these projects?
4. Will council be paying for any aspect of these projects?
Springfield/Otonga intersections
1. What significant CyWay components are being done?
2. Is this on track to start next month?
3. When is the project expected to finish?
4. Will there be diversions in place during construction?
5. How much is this expected to cost?
Koutu Rd
1. What is the foundation rehabilitation project?
2. What are the traffic management measures being put in place?
3. When did this begin?
4. When is it due to finish
5. How much is it costing and who is paying for it?
Reporoa Rd
1. Has this foundation rehabilitation begun?
2. When is it expected to finish?
3. What will the implications for drivers be?
4. How much is it costing and who is paying for it?
Additionally, how common is it to have this many roading projects happening around the same time?
Response
The Daily Post was referred to NZTA as lead agency regarding the central corridor and state highway efficiency projects.
The other 3 projects referred to re the latter are the small Owhata roundabout; SH5 approaching Hemo Gorge; and the Malfroy/Otonga intersection.
The following information relating to RLC projects was provided:
Council's roading budget for this financial year (2017/18) totals $15m and along with some key projects (as below) will also include:
- Re-seal of about 70km of the district's roads (70% rural)
- sealing of about 4km of currently unsealed roads
- renewal of about 10km of footpaths and shared paths.
- Maintenance of street lighting (there are about 5500)
It is common to have multiple roadworks underway at this time of the year. Roadworks are generally undertaken between September and the end of April. Drier, warmer conditions with less moisture in the soil are critical to ensuring the strength of road foundations and ensuring bitumen can cure properly.
"Foundation rehabilitation" refers to fixing the underlying foundations of a road (under the seal). The foundations take the load of the traffic (the seal protects the foundation) and foundations need to be periodically re-renewed or strengthened.
Work on Koutu Road has been underway since September and is expected to finish later this month [November], depending on weather. This project will also see the construction of three raised speed platforms to slow traffic to the speed limit. Surveys have shown the average speed is 54km/hr with about 15% of cars using Koutu Road exceeding 58km/hr and the risk of incidents elevated due to the presence of shops. The total cost of the project is about $580,000 with 53% being funded by NZTA. The road has remained open throughout the project with traffic management in place.
Work has also already started on Reporoa Road foundation rehabilitation with temporary signage in place to alert and slow traffic. This work is due to be finished in December and will cost about $250,000 (including some minor water asset renewals at the roundabout) with 53% of it being funded by NZTA.
Some preliminary off-road works will begin at the Otonga and Springfield roads intersection before Christmas but major construction of the elevated intersection will not begin until early 2018. The Springfield CyWay project has contributed to this project being undertaken to improve safety and access to cycleways for pedestrians and bike riders including school children. The total budget for the project is $420,000 which includes the improvements at the intersection and CyWay works with 53% funded by NZTA. The intersection will remain open to traffic during the major works but drivers will be encouraged to take alternative routes.
(See THIS LINK for more about the Otonga/Springfield intersection project and see THIS LINK on the CyWay site for more about Springfield CyWay project. You'll see to the left of that page links to information about other projects within the CyWay programme.)
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Media: Te Kaea (Maori Television)
Topic: Consent for homeless shelter
Inquiry
I would like to interview the spokesperson who approves Resource Management consent regarding Tiny Deane's application to open a Shelter for mothers and their children in Rotorua.
1. I understand there has been opposition to Tiny's application from three neighbours,
i) What are their concerns?
2. What is the councils current ruling on the shelter? ie has it been accepted? Why or why not?
3. What process does Tiny have to meet to satisfy being granted consent?
Response
The invitation to be interviewed on camera was respectfully declined.
The following statement was provided:
Council consenting staff continue to work closely with Mr Deane. As the consenting process is still underway it is not appropriate to comment further at this time.