With the Hillcrest end of Matangi Road closed during construction of the new Morrinsville Road “Peanut Junction”, many local residents are understandably keen to know how the project is progressing. The upgrade, which will continue to affect access for approximately the next four months, is now well underway with substantial groundwork completed over the past three weeks.
Construction crews have successfully established the site, installing perimeter fencing and carrying out underground service investigations using potholing and CCTV to ensure existing utilities are accurately located. Major excavations have begun for the new drainage network, and around 20% of the subsoil drains are already installed. All catchpits have now been installed and signal ducts have been placed in preparation for the upgraded intersection signals.
Significant visible progress has also been made above ground. Contractors have removed all existing kerbing and concrete, and at least half of the existing pavement has now been excavated as preparation begins for the new road structure. Work has also started on the environmental features of the project, with excavation underway for the raingardens that will manage stormwater and improve runoff treatment along the corridor.
Pedestrian and cycling access has been carefully maintained throughout construction. A temporary pathway has been installed to allow people to safely move around the site, and crews have already formed the new shared pathway linking the future pedestrian crossing with Silverdale Road. Concrete has also been poured for the widened shared path between Matangi Road and Morrinsville Road.
Over the coming weeks the focus will shift to completing the underground drainage network and preparing the road for rebuilding. Crews will finalise the subsoil drains and connect them to stormwater outlets, install the new raingardens, continue excavation along the main road alignment, and begin preparing the first of four pavement layers that will eventually form the new road surface. Drilling will also begin for power and fibre infrastructure associated with the upgraded traffic signals.
While the temporary closure of the intersection has created some inconvenience for local travel, project planners say the approach allows the work to be completed five to six months faster than if traffic had been maintained through a stop/go system. The full closure is also expected to save approximately $1 million in construction costs, which will be reinvested into wider shared paths along key school routes further along Morrinsville Road.
Importantly, local businesses remain open during construction, including cafés and a flower shop along Morrinsville Road and Matangi Road. Residents are encouraged to continue supporting these businesses while the works are underway.
As the project progresses over the coming months, the new intersection will deliver safer turning movements, improved drainage, upgraded pedestrian and cycle facilities, and a more resilient road surface for one of the key transport connections between Hillcrest, Matangi and the wider Waikato region.
