Improving Resilience and Capacity of Local Road Networks
Port Road Bridge and Roundabout
The intersection of Port Road and Kioreroa Road in the industrial area of Whangārei suffered from severe traffic congestion and high crash rates. A new intersection and a duplicate adjacent bridge structure addressed these issues.
United Civil was engaged by Whangārei District Council to deliver a $15m upgrade to a key section of Port Road, a primary collector route connecting the city centre with Whangārei’s industrial hub. The 30-month project involved constructing a new 41-metre, two-span bridge alongside the existing Limeburners Creek crossing and upgrading a nearby intersection that had long suffered from congestion, queuing, and a high crash rate.
The original bridge was vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding, while the intersection’s inefficiencies posed safety and traffic flow challenges. The new bridge structure, raised to accommodate future climate impacts, including a 3-metre-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists – enhancing multi-modal connectivity in the area.
Construction took place within a sensitive Coastal Marine Area, requiring careful environmental management and adaptive planning. The team navigated complex design changes and overcame poor ground conditions, including soft marine mud that necessitated deep excavation and lean-mix concrete foundations. Maintaining traffic flow during peak hours and relocating multiple underground services added further complexity to the works.
The completed upgrade has significantly improved resilience, safety, and traffic flow along this important transport corridor.
Key Features Included:
- Construction of a 41 m, 2-span bridge with a 3 m wide shared pedestrian and cycle path
- Installation of a 50 m diameter, 2-lane roundabout
- Stormwater drainage systems including kerbs, sumps, manholes, and pipes
- Service works including wastewater, stormwater, water, gas, power, fibre, and traffic signals
- Unbound granular and deep-lift asphalt pavements