13 January 2006

Rock blasting south of Wairau Road

Underground rock blasting will occur along the southbound side of the Northern Motorway (SH1) from Monday 16 January to Friday 3 February to create a stormwater drain as part of the Northern Busway project.

The blasting, needed to remove basalt rock, will take place over a 360m length from south of Wairau Road. Transit New Zealand and North Shore City Council will manage the basting activity, which will be undertaken by professionals under controlled conditions.

Northern Busway project manager, Clive Fuhr, says the blasting will take place every weekday between 1pm and 2pm. “There will only be one blast – of a few seconds duration - each day,” he says. “The blasting will occur underground at a depth of at least 3m and wire mats will be laid over the blasting area prevent any flying debris.”

Mr Fuhr says that because the blasting will be underground, he expects noise levels to be low and says that residents are unlikely to detect any vibrations. He says the work has been programmed for the holiday period to have the least possible effect on Westlake Girls High School.

Short-term closures of the motorway, managed by the police, will occur during the blasting activity.

ENDS

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