Far North District Council's South maintenance area

Overview

Ventia is the road maintenance contractor for the Far North District Council's South Maintenance Area.

Client

Project duration

8 Years | Commenced: July 2018

Description

Ventia NZ provides asset management and road maintenance for the Far North District Council’s (FNDC) South Maintenance Area which covers 781 km of unsealed roads and 467 km of sealed roads. The project encompasses a comprehensive range of maintenance activities aimed at ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the road network in the region.

Asset Management and Planning

Ventia’s approach to asset management includes maintaining a detailed inventory of assets, regular inspections, and condition assessments. They have developed a long-term strategy aligned with FNDC’s goals and budget constraints, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and quick response to emergencies. Cost estimation and budget management are crucial aspects, with strict quality control measures in place to meet required standards.

Client Satisfaction and Community Impact

Ventia’s dedication to excellence has earned them multiple contract extensions with FNDC. Their work significantly contributes to the enhancement of a safe, efficient, and dependable road network, positively impacting the lives of the local community. The team’s commitment to safety, meticulous planning, and comprehensive reporting underscores their role in making a lasting difference in the Far North District.

Disaster Events, Emergency Preparedness and Response

We have developed and communicated clear emergency response plans, including procedures for natural disaster events immediate response and rectification.

During the 2022 – 2023 period, the Ventia Puketona team were first responders in 11 significant weather events which decimated Northland and resulted in over $14.5 million worth of damage to the road network. The events majorly impacted the ability of emergency services to access people in need with up 50 roads at a time inaccessible due to land slippage, fallen trees, flooding, and debris). The team worked 24/7 managing record levels of customer call outs, identifying network issues, and updating a Situation Report every four hours to keep FNDC informed of the network status.

The response process implemented by Ventia became the ‘gold standard’ as it provided key stakeholders like FNDC, emergency services and Civil Defence to have access to the latest, high-quality detailed information about the situation on the ground.

Scope of work

Pavement Maintenance: Regular inspections, pothole patching, crack sealing
Vegetation Management: Control and removal of vegetation to ensure visibility and reduce fire hazards.
Signage and Markings: Ensuring clear and visible road signage and markings.
Drainage Maintenance: Cleaning and clearing culverts, drains, and water tables to prevent water buildup and erosion.
Emergency Response: Swift response to severe weather events or accidents requiring immediate repair.
Footpath Maintenance: Replacing broken or cracked paths, grinding, patching, and building new paths as needed.
Guardrails and Edge Markers: Regular maintenance, replacement, and cleaning.
Minor Bridge Maintenance: Repairs on the deck, seals, timber, and painting railings and traffic components.
Surface Treatment: Resealing, crack sealing, and patching for sealed roads.
Unsealed Road Maintenance: Grading, metalling, and dust suppression.
Safety Inspections and Repairs: Identifying hazards and defects, followed by necessary repairs.
Capital Projects: Ventia also undertakes specific capital projects such as the construction of retaining walls, awarded through the maintenance contract. Additionally, carpark resurfacing, line marking, and pothole filling are part of their responsibilities.