SH36 / Tauranga Direct Road - Mangorewa Gorge Improvements
This project is part of the Tauranga Direct/Twin City transportation improvement package and is being managed on the NZ Transport Agency’s behalf, by Rotorua District Council.
Background
SH36, linking Rotorua directly with Tauranga, became a State Highway in February 2004. This formalised this interregional route which existed as a significant Maori trail, then developed into the stage coach route between Rotorua and Tauranga, then remained unsealed for drivers for many decades early last century.
The area is located approxiamately midway along SH36, situated in the Mangorewa Gorge 25km north of Rotorua. The site includes two single lane bridges, over the Ohaupara River (southern) and the Mangorewa River (northern) and carries approx 2300 vehicles per day.
Safety is the key driver of the project, the torturous speed environment and the single lane bridges being the key issues. In addition there is a history of serious vehicle crashes, including several large trucks with have ended up in the gorge and loads lost into nearby streams.
Consents for the works have been obtained over the past year, in addition, an historic places trust authorisation is held due to the age of the road and significant Maori historical association with the gorge.
Minor amounts of land have been acquired from a number of parties for the works, including Department of Conservation and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
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Overview
| Purpose: |
To improve safety for all road users in the Mangorewa Gorge area, including cyclists. |
| Estimated Cost: |
$4.5M |
| Start Date: |
Construction scheduled to start April 2009 |
| End Date: |
March 2010 |
| Location: |
Between Rotorua and Tauranga, 25km north of Rotorua on SH36 |
| Engineering Features: |
Replacement of the one-lane Ohaupara Stream and Mangorewa Stream bridges with two-lane bridges, and the realignment and widening of a 900m stretch of SH36. Improved guardrail, marking and signage , provision of two slow vehicle bays (one in each direction) |
| Environment Features: |
The gorge is rich in Maori history and folklore, borders onto a significant scenic reserve featuring native bush and walking tracks, protection of these is essential.
It has historic World War II fortifications nearby and the project site was also the original water stop for the Rotorua/Tauranga stage coach, with an original trough still remaining. A new rest area will be constructed at which some of the old features will be located too, together with information outlining the varied and long history of the site. |
| Challenges: |
This area has no cell phone coverage, power or other amenities available. Road conditions are icy in winter due to limited sunlight reaching the bottom of the gorge. Significant traffic volumes must still be catered for. A mix of blasting and machine removal of rock will be required. |
| Additional information from NZ Transport Agency: |
Mangorewa project summary page on the NZTA/Transit website |
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Attachment A: Locality Plan
| Site Name: |
SH36 Mangorewa Gorge Bridge and Road Widening |
| Location: |
Rotorua District |
| State Highway: |
SH36 RP 13/15.685 to RP 28/0.470 |
Site
map: |
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Site
photo: |
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Attachment B: Proposed Layout
Proposed
Layout: |
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