High Tech Laboratory Paves Way For Bike Path

Residents in Hamilton’s southwestern suburbs may see a high-tech mobile laboratory in action next week; one of the latest tools deployed to help fulfil the aims of the Hamilton City Council’s Biking Plan.

The Opus CPT Rig will be working on the proposed route for the Western Rail Trail bike path, measuring soil properties, assessing the type, relative density and stiffness of the ground as the final route is developed.

CPT stands for Cone Penetration Testing, and the rig carries on-board computer software and equipment to enable accurate on-site display of results in real time.


Photo courtesy of Hamilton City Council

Results from the testing will help design the path, which will travel the rail corridor from Kahikatea Drive, around the west of Lake Rotoroa, to Ward Park and the CBD.

The 2.7km off-road shared path, one of the 10 projects identified in the city’s Biking Plan, will connect the south western suburbs to the city centre, Hamilton Girls High School and Wintec City Campus.

The Trail is expected to attract over 300 users a day, and funding for the project is largely drawn from the government’s Urban Cycleways Fund and the National Land Transport Fund. Construction is expected to start early next year, with completion expected mid-year.

For more information on the Western Rail Trail or to download a copy of Hamilton City Council’s Biking Plan, go to hamilton.govt.nz/bikingplan.