The Whangārei District Council has officially approved two significant infrastructure projects—the Springs Flat roundabout and the Gillingham Road bridge—improving access to land north of the city and supporting future housing developments.
The $18 million roundabout on State Highway 1 serves as the project’s centrepiece, connecting Springs Flat Rd to the west and Alcoba St in Te Kamo East. Earthworks and drainage preparation, awarded to local contractor BDX under a $4.3 million contract, are scheduled to begin this month and conclude by November.
Construction of the roundabout will begin in December as part of the project’s second stage, with completion expected after one year.
The project’s second major component involves replacing the ageing single-lane timber bridge on Gillingham Rd with an elevated dual-lane concrete structure. This upgrade will facilitate access to eastern and northern development zones while connecting to the Springs Flat roundabout via a Beacondale Place extension to Alcoba St.
United Civil Construction has been awarded the $4.2 million contract for bridge construction, with completion scheduled for December.
The project incorporates new shared pedestrian/cycle paths along Springs Flat Rd and Alcoba St, featuring a signalised crossing on State Highway 1. The Central Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund contributes $10.3 million for this initiative.
“This work will enable this area to flourish at some point in the future,” Council infrastructure committee chairman Simon Reid said.
Reid indicated plans for a new supermarket and shopping center on Springs Flat Rd, adjacent to the roundabout.