Waikato River Bridge and surrounding transport network

Project summary

What we're doing

A key part of a wider transport network planned for the Peacocke neighbourhood, the new bridge over the Waikato River, is set to open in late 2023. Construction of the bridge and surrounding transport network is budgeted to cost $135 million.

The bridge features:

four lanes, including dedicated bus lanes
separate pedestrian and bike paths
a span of 95-110m over the Waikato River
no piers in the river, and a single Y-shaped pillar on the south bank of the river, supporting a flat bridge deck spanning more than 200m
a pedestrian bridge on the northern side of the river
lighting and structural features to minimise the impact on the native long-tailed bats and the surrounding environment, both during construction and when it is operational.

The surrounding transport network features:

a 1.6km extension to Wairere Drive from the new bridge
urban upgrades to Weston Lea Drive and Peacockes Road to accommodate traffic and footpaths
a network of underpasses, separated bike paths, and roads that prioritise buses and other public transport
a two-lane, four-way roundabout at the intersection of Wairere Drive extension and Peacockes Road
a signalised intersection at Peacockes Road and Weston Lea Drive
relocated and newly installed utility services to cater for growth
new stormwater, wastewater, and water supply pipes.

Why we're doing it

Peacocke and up to 20,000 future residents will need good connections to the rest of the city and the wider region. The new bridge and the new pedestrian- bike- and public transport-friendly road network provides this integration of Peacocke into Hamilton.

This project will

Connect Peacocke to the rest of the city
Prioritise public transport, pedestrians and people on bikes
Protect the health of our river and wildlife

Project features

Environment-focused bridge
A striking design with no piers in the river, plus lighting and structural features that will minimise impact on native long-tailed bats and the surrounding environment.
Walk, cycle, bus
There will be dedicated bus lanes on the new bridge, a pedestrian overbridge on the northern side of the river, plus a network of underpasses, separated bike paths and roads that prioritise buses and other public transport.
2,650 tonnes
The amount of structural steel needed to reinforce the completed bridge.

Where we're at with progress

Stage 1 - Planning

2019
Preliminary design.
Stage 2 - Underway

November 2020
Work by HEB construction began on the bridge and surrounding network.
Stage 3 - Completed

2023
The bridge and surrounding transport network are set to open in late 2023.

Take A Look

Project blueprint

Concrete pour timelapse – March 2023

Forming the central pier – May 2022

Project timelapse cameras

Frequently asked questions

What costs are involved and where is the funding coming from?

Construction of the bridge and surrounding transport network is budgeted to cost $135 million. This is funded through the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund, made up of a $180.3 million 10-year interest-free loan and $110.1 million of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency subsidies.

Why is earth being piled up?

We're continuing with earthworks to shape the ground for future roads to be built. In some cases you might see us stockpiling some of the dirt so we can use this to build future roads and landscaping. We do our best to manage dust in the dry summer season using water trucks.

Where will traffic diversions be in place?

Peacockes Road

Traffic management is in place at various points along Peacockes Road to provide safe work areas while we continue to make progress as quickly and safely as we can. Much of our work requires traffic restrictions to one lane or temporary road closures. We will continue to maintain safe access for pedestrians and people on bikes.

Temporary diversion road for new roundabout

Soon we'll be diverting Peacockes Road traffic onto a temporary road to allow us more room to build the new roundabout.

New intersection at Weston Lea Drive/Peacockes Road

There's a temporary new intersection at the corner of Weston Lea Drive and Peacockes Road, opposite Peacockes Lane. This is unsealed for now so residents on Weston Lea Drive can access their properties while we continue with our work.

Weston Lea Drive closure

We're closing off sections of Weston Lea Drive to all traffic so we can install new stormwater, wastewater, and water pipes for future development in the area. Closing sections of the road at a time allows room for our machinery to complete this work as quickly and safely as possible.