HEB Construction / AECOM

CATEGORY 4: Projects with a value greater than $50 million

Unlocking economic potential

The Tamahere to Cambridge Section is one of seven sections of the $2.1 billion Waikato Expressway, a Road of National Significance identified as key to unlocking our economic potential. The Design and Construct Contract: 2/04-005-601 Waikato Expressway Tamahere to Cambridge Section project is the third part of the Waikato Expressway to be completed and is made up of a 16 kilometre, four-lane median divided expressway that bypasses the Cambridge township. Being a (lump sum) D&C contract awarded in April 2013, the contractor, HEB Construction and lead designer AECOM, had to own the risks CATEGORY transferred in the contract and promised 4 FINALIST in their tender. HEB’s risk management skill was proven by the early completion of the project and within budget, says the company. “On top of that we delivered the increases in project scope within our original programme by managing our time and resources well.” The project incorporated the highway sections, nine bridges, walking and cycling paths, a number of artworks and 365,000 native and exotic plants planted along its length. Also involved were: the excavation, transportation and placement of 1.7 million cubic metres of cut/fill earthworks materials including 250,000 cubic metres of imported material; 380,000 square metres of main alignment and 120,000 square metres of local road pavements constructed including a one kilometre section of hi-lab pavement.

Separable Portion 1 of this contract was completed and opened on December 16 2015, six months ahead of schedule. Separable Portion 2 of the contract is made up of EMOGPA (Epoxy-modified Open Graded Porous Asphalt) and will be completed in December 2016 after a 12-month lag to allow the chip seal surface to bed in.

The NZTA says: “HEB Construction did a fantastic job in an often challenging site to get the project finished six months ahead of schedule. Their hard work and dedication has ensured we finished construction well ahead of schedule.”

Waipa District Council says: “The NZ Transport Agency and its contractors deserve a pat on the back for the outstanding job they have done in building the Cambridge section. It’s been a very well-run and very well communicated project.” l