MCR Quarryman's Trail

Overview

This work was carried out as part of the Major Cycle Routes panel, constructed in Christchurch. This particular route was designed to connect Halswell and the City Centre of Christchurch.

The project itself involves two major intersection upgrades where roundabouts were converted to signalised intersections. The surface was constructed with 2500m² of deep lift asphalt. In addition to this, two other signalised crossings were being built which overall equalled 29 new traffic lights and 870m of ducting installed. Other aspects of this project included a further 3,200m² of shoulder and carriageway work, 4,710m² of cycleway construction, 4,300m² of new footpath and residential crossings, 172m of ductile iron watermain, 330m of stormwater as well as kerb and channel, landscaping and signage.

There was also approximately 1,100m of power, chorus and Vodafone cables installed underground and connected to the houses between Lyttleton Street and Hoon Hay Road so that the power lines could be taken down.

The traffic management on this site played a huge role in health and safety. We always ensured that there were between three to four Level 2 STMS staff on site, ensuring that the safety of all and the traffic management it was being maintained up to the required standard.

This project was delivered successfully by Isaac Construction as the head contractor working with the Christchurch City Council's selected design and construct consultants, Peloton.

Challenges

After the tender closed, additional work in the form of a new watermain was added under the Sparks / Lyttleton Intersection and a large number of underground power cables and power poles had to be relocated along Sparks Road due to a clash with the new kerb.

On this project, we have adjusted very well to change. The addition of the watermain and undergrounding of power cables meant that the programme had to be looked at in great detail so that the end date would not extend. This involved planning four months in advance to make the most of the school holidays and ensure all the required Traffic Management Plans were approved.

The project was delivered one month later than the original programme, which was a fantastic result, given that the vast amount of undergrounding works should have added an additional four to five months to the construction programme. The Client and the Engineer both commended the Isaac team on their abilities to accelerate the works, to deliver the programme outcome that was achieved.