Key Takeaways
- The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is conducting mobile road scanning on State Highway 2 between Te Puna and mokoroa as part of the Takitimu North Link Stage 2 project.
- The scanning uses a LiDAR-equipped vehicle and ground control points to capture precise measurements for road design.
- The project is a 7.7km, four-lane state highway with a budget of $97 million for design, consents, and enabling works.
- Ground investigations, including geotechnical testing and soil contamination investigations, are being carried out to inform the road’s design and planning.
- The project is expected to continue through to 2026 as part of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
Introduction to the Takitimu North Link Stage 2 Project
If you’ve driven along State Highway 2 between Te Puna and mokoroa recently, you may have noticed some checkerboard-like markings on the road. These aren’t decorative – they’re ground control points used for mobile road scanning as part of surveys for the Takitimu North Link Stage 2 project. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) explained in a post on its Facebook page that a LiDAR-equipped (Light Detection and Ranging) vehicle is scanning SH2, side roads, and nearby driveways to capture precise measurements that will help design the new road. The control points ensure the LiDAR system is correctly calibrated, allowing for accurate data collection.
The Purpose of the Ground Control Points
The ground control points are spaced about 250 meters apart and will naturally wear off in 2-3 months. Using a scanning vehicle means less time on the road and a safer process for everyone. The survey data feeds into the road design and forms part of a wider programme of ground investigations for Takitimu North Link Stage 2, which runs through to the end of the year. This approach allows the NZTA to gather detailed information about the road and surrounding environment, which is essential for designing a safe and efficient highway.
Project Overview and Objectives
Takitimu North Link Stage 2 is a Road of National Significance – a proposed 7.7km, four-lane state highway between Te Puna and mokoroa. Earlier this year, the NZTA board confirmed $97 million to support the next steps: progressing design, securing consents, and getting enabling works under way. The project aims to improve the safety and efficiency of the road network in the region, while also minimizing the impact on the environment. The NZTA has already completed design refinements where Stage 1 and Stage 2 meet at Te Puna, helping to reduce future rework.
Challenges and Ground Investigations
Delivering a project of this size and scale comes with its challenges, from managing the sensitive coastal environment to landholdings and complex stormwater requirements. To address these challenges, the NZTA is carrying out ground investigations at key sites near Snodgrass, Ainsworth, Te Puna Quarry, and Munro Roads, and around Oturu and Te Puna streams. These investigations include geotechnical testing, topographical surveys, and soil contamination investigations, and will continue through to December. This work helps inform the road’s design and planning, ensuring that the final product is safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
In 2026, the NZTA will continue the pre-implementation work as part of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. The project is expected to progress through various stages, including design, consenting, and construction, over the next few years. The NZTA will continue to work with stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, to ensure that the project is delivered in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment and maximizes its benefits to the region. With the use of innovative technologies like LiDAR and a commitment to thorough ground investigations, the Takitimu North Link Stage 2 project is on track to deliver a safe and efficient highway that will serve the region for years to come.