MEDIA RELEASE
6 September 2004

Intersection upgrade unblocks artery

The $9.5 million upgrade of the Great South and Sylvia Park road intersection was officially opened today, ending almost two years of work at one of Auckland’s busiest intersections.

With an average of 37,000 vehicles driving through the intersection each day, the upgrade has included widening the intersection to five lanes and creating a more efficient road layout.

“Improving Auckland’s road network is as much about upgrading existing roads to increase efficiency as it is about building state highways,” says Councillor Greg McKeown, Auckland City’s Transport Committee chairperson.

“The development of the new Sylvia Park intersection in Mt Wellington has seen the removal of bottlenecks that used to hinder traffic flows, particularly for the high number of heavy vehicles travelling to and from east Tamaki.

“Now the intersection works much more efficiently, flowing smoothly and safely for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.”

The road has also been realigned to provide safer sight lines near a new railway bridge built during the project, and new footpath and cycle lanes have been implemented.

Significant work has also been completed on relocating utility services passing through the intersection. These included major gas and water mains, stormwater lines and electricity cables.

Ends

Ref: JB

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