Contractors strike softer than expected ground at Ashburton intersection project
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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There is further unexpected disruption from soft ground at the Walnut Avenue upgrade project in Ashburton.
A section of Walnut Ave, from State Highway 1 to 135 Walnut Ave, will be closed this week so a temporary seal can be dug up and reconstructed as part of the $10.6 million intersection upgrade project.
A Waka Kotahi spokesperson said that when contractors dug up the old pavement last Wednesday night to expose the existing ground underneath, the ground conditions were very soft.
“This meant we had to change our pavement construction methods and dig a lot deeper to prepare the ground for new pavement.
“While we do this, it is not safe to keep the road open, so we asked for an urgent closure of Walnut Ave to minimise the disruption and get the additional work done as quickly as possible.
“We dug multiple test pits during planning, but we are finding the existing ground conditions are very inconsistent in this area.”
The surface that was applied on Walnut Ave was temporary only they said, and was put in place to enable the road to take short-term traffic on Thursday while a plan and traffic management to close this stretch of road was confirmed.
The section of the project was closed to traffic on Friday morning.
“We think the seven-day closure is the worst-case scenario, and we are hoping it won’t take that long."
The roundabouts at the intersections of West St (SH1) and East St with Walnut Ave are being replaced with traffic signals and an improved rail crossing.
The funding allocation for the specific project is $15m, including contingencies, but is projected to cost about $10.5m and be completed by the end of the year.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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42.1% Yes - we like to be prepared
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42.1% Nah
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15.8% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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