Testing of the new road surface at major intersections along Cameron Rd in Tauranga will take place at night next week.

The works are due to start on Sunday, July 14, and run through to Thursday, July 18, from 10pm to 6am.

Tauranga City Council says temporary traffic management will be in place, including lane closures and full closures of the intersections where coring occurs.

“Coring involves drilling into the road surface to take samples for laboratory testing,” says a council spokesperson.

“The purpose of coring is to assess the road surface’s density and strength to make sure it meets compliance standards and has a long life. This standard procedure is expected to take five nights, weather permitting.”

Dates for coring:

-Sunday, July 14 – Fifteenth Ave intersection (8 cores)

-Monday, July 15 – Thirteenth Ave intersection (5 cores)

-Tuesday, July 16 – Eleventh Ave intersection (6 cores)

-Wednesday, July 17 – Ninth Ave intersection (5 cores)

-Thursday, July 18 – Elizabeth St intersection (13 cores)

“The team will work to minimise disruption. However, the coring process is noisy because it involves drilling. Drilling each hole takes around 10 minutes, and then the hole is backfilled.

“These works are done at night so roads can be open during the day. To take advantage of the temporary traffic management, the team will also do some minor work, including installing concrete foundations for directional signage at Fifteenth Ave (west) north and south corners.

“Noise is associated with these works, as the team will use a hydrovac truck to dig the foundation holes. Work will also be under way in the central median along the length of the corridor to place concrete around the traffic signal chambers and sockets.

“We ask that you follow the posted detours, speed limits, and any instructions from our traffic team on-site. Temporary traffic management ensures the safety of the community, road users, and our team.

“Meanwhile, an investigation of underground services along Cameron Rd from 17th Ave to Maleme St in Greerton and along Pyes Pa Rd between Havenbrook Way and Cheyne Rd continues throughout July.

“Most work will be off-road, and any work within the road will be done at night to minimise disruption. Lane closures are not expected; however, investigations will be undertaken at about 10-15km/h, so traffic management may be required around the slow-moving survey vehicle.”

More information about the site works is available here.