Ground and environmental investigations to support the design of the Hope Bypass is set to begin next week.
Various assessments and investigations will be underway from mid March until late May to support the design of the Hope Bypass project.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi contractors will carry out ground and environmental investigations around SH6 and Link Road, Richmond Deviation, the Lower Queen Street and Gladstone Road intersection, and the SH6 and SH60 intersection at Three Brothers Corner.
Parts of the Great Taste Trail, including the Railway Reserve, will also be investigated.
The work involves surveying, assessing ground conditions, and carrying out baseline noise and visual assessments.
People may notice drones in use, staff taking samples, performing environmental checks, and operating acoustic recorders and other ecological monitoring equipment.
A drilling rig will also be used, which may generate noise as contractors drill narrow boreholes to better understand the underground conditions.
The work will require shoulder closures on SH6 Richmond Deviation and around the two intersections, as well as cones and signage on the Great Taste Trail.
The trail and roads will remain open, but drivers and trail users are asked to take care around work sites and follow all temporary traffic management in place.
The work will help build a detailed picture of soil, land and environmental conditions along the proposed route so the project can be designed using the most accurate information.
Geotechnical work will occur Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm.
