Hamilton ring road takes stride forward
Hundreds turned out for the opening of the Fairview Downs section of the Hamilton ring road.
Cyclists and walkers got first taste of the Fairview Downs section of Hamilton’s ring road when it opened today.
A crowd of about 500 people gathered for the ceremony at 10am when Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker formally opened Wairere Drive South.
Kids and residents were encouraged to bring bikes and scooters to ride the road for the first time before the road was opened to cars in the afternoon.
The 2-kilometre section, which features over half a million native plants, is from the Carrs Road overpass to the new Fifth Avenue roundabout.
A karakia, a blessing and a tree planting were performed by Wiremu Puke, who said the many cultures in the city that will travel on this road will be protected.
A special talisman was presented to the mayor, a kete of sacred things from diverse religions within Hamilton.
Mayor Julie Hardaker said it was a momentous day, which has been many decades in the making.
“You should be proud that you are here today as part of our history. Things in this city don’t happen unless we work together,” she said to the crowd.
“The planning for this started in 1950. In 1969 the council picked it up for the ring road and here we are today. On time, on budget and on scope.”
Downer’s Brandy Smith was singled out by the Mayor for communicating with the locals via facebook.
Smith said it was a great day. “It all came together really well, it is amazing that people want to support something like this”.
The project has cost $84 million, half of it paid by the the government.
Local residents, workers, councillors, MPs and kids from local schools were in high spirits, and Sustainable Travel provided hi-vis vests for everyone on bicycles.
Hamilton East MP David Bennett said the project would make a huge difference to the residents’ lives.
“These are difficult things to build, especially when they go behind your properties. You have enabled this project to happen.”
The ring road is three quarters finished and will continue construction past the Fifth Avenue roundabout and onto Dey Street. The speed limit will be 80kmh.
There has been over half a million cubic metres of dirt moved, three new pedestrian underpasses, two new bridges and 1000 people involved in the project to date.
Local resident Edie Fisher, from Tramway Road, said it was nice that they had the event today for the residents to check it out.
“It means that Tramway Road will be a lot quieter, with all the trucks travelling on the new road, which is great for us”.
