SH1 Awatoto Roundabout.

The SH51 Awatoto roundabout project in Hawke’s Bay stands as a testament to New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing road safety while integrating sustainable landscaping practices. Spearheaded by Waka Kotahi NZ

Transport Agency, the initiative aimed to transform a high-risk intersection into a safer, more efficient corridor between Napier and Hastings.

Project Overview

Completed in mid-2024, the SH51 safety improvement project encompassed several key enhancements:

• Construction of a new roundabout at the SH51 and Awatoto Road intersection to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
• Installation of 4.8 km of flexible median and side barriers to prevent head-on and run-off-road crashes.
• Widening of 2.4 km of road and centerlines to provide more space between vehicles, enhancing safety.
• Realignment of the road away from the rail level crossing to reduce the risk of vehicles stopping over train tracks.

Creation of a new, wide crossing to improve connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users between Awatoto Road and the beach domain. The project, with an estimated cost of $20 million, was part of a broader initiative to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.

Landscaping and Planting Initiatives:

Beyond infrastructural improvements, the project placed significant emphasis on landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal and ecological value of the area. Native plants were introduced to the surroundings, contributing to the region’s biodiversity and resilience against coastal conditions. Advance Landscape Systems, in collaboration with engineering consultancy Stantec, played a pivotal role in the project’s landscaping success.

They provided expertise in landscape maintenance and weed control measures crucial during the plant establishment phase. A key recommendation from Advance Landscape Systems was the use of FuturFiber® Dag Wool Mulch Matting at 750gsm. This biodegradable matting, made from dag wool sourced from local New Zealand farmers, offers several benefits:

• Weed Suppression: Effectively blocks sunlight, reducing the need for chemical herbicides.
• Moisture Retention: Keeps the soil damp, reducing plant stress and promoting healthy growth.
• Nutrient Enrichment: Gradually releases nutrients like nitrogen, sulphur, and potassium into the soil.
• Durability: Designed to last through the critical establishment period of plants.

The use of locally sourced dag wool not only supports New Zealand farmers but also aligns with the project’s sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials.

Implementation and Outcomes:

Fulton Hogan served as the head contractor for the project, overseeing the construction of the roundabout and associated roadworks. South Pacific Landscapes led the planting and landscaping efforts, ensuring the successful establishment of native vegetation. The integration of FuturFiber® Dag Wool Mulch Matting has proven effective, with the matting still intact and performing its intended functions of weed suppression and moisture retention. The native plants have thrived in the coastal environment, contributing to the project’s overall success and serving as a model for sustainable infrastructure development.