Asbestos found on underpass site

The NZ Transport Agency have confirmed that contractors have found asbestos on the site of the new Maungatapu underpass.

The discovery, made late last month, has been tested and confirmed as asbestos, and specialist crews are ready to move in tomorrow to determine the best way to remove it.


A picture of the site where the asbestos was found. Photos: Supplied.

The area where the find was made has been secured and has been isolated while work continues on other parts of the project.

NZTA say they are working closely with specialists to safely remove the asbestos, found in an old, demolished building that was uncovered while contractors were carrying out earthworks near the old Baden Powell Centre.

The Transport Agency's acting Bay of Plenty highway manager, Adam Francis, says Worksafe NZ, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council have been informed, and there is no immediate health risk to staff or the community.

'The site has been secured in line with regulations,” says Adam, 'and we are currently working with specialist contractors to determine the best disposal measures going ahead.

'On Tuesday (November 10) asbestos specialists will be onsite to investigate the site. We hope to have a disposal method confirmed later this month.

'We are focussed on keeping the community informed as we work to find the best solution.”


An aerial view of the construction site, taken before the asbestos was found.

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4 comments

Asbestos

Posted on 09-11-2015 16:19 | By Plonker

A cost blow out will follow from that I am sure. perhaps easier to just have a tunnel that is a little longer, no worries for motorists then.


any mould???

Posted on 10-11-2015 07:41 | By sambo's back

or will that come from the months of inactivity caused by finding a little asbestos, get on with it and get over yourselves.


Typical

Posted on 10-11-2015 08:22 | By bushman

The specialists come in do they turn up like they do on CSI in a private jet or expensive four wheel drives.


It all else fails mine it

Posted on 10-11-2015 09:05 | By kellbell

That is not the actual underpass site it looks to be more down towards the Scout den.For god's sake it looks like it is going to be under a sealed road anyway so leave it alone and don't disturb it. !!!!!!


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