16 September 2009

Northwestern Motorway improvements announced

Long-planned improvements to Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway (SH16) have moved a step closer today with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) announcing plans to widen the route.

A series of staged works from St Lukes to Westgate will add an extra lane in each direction, allow buses to use the motorway shoulders, raise the causeway and widen the adjacent cycle way.

In collaboration with Waitakere and Auckland City Councils, NZTA is also proposing to improve road capacity and safety at the Te Atatu, Lincoln and Royal Road interchanges, as well as improving access for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The project will help traffic flow, improve safety and allow this important east-west link to function better. The work complements the adjacent SH20 Waterview Connection project to complete the Western Ring Route around Auckland,” said NZTA Regional Director for Auckland and Northland Wayne McDonald.

“Construction of the Lincoln Road Interchange could start as early as next year and the St Lukes to Te Atatu section the year after. We will look to protect land for the work west of Te Atatu but this is not forecast to start for 10 years.

“When we widen the causeway, we will take the opportunity to raise the existing road level to eliminate flooding which has become more prevalent. This will improve safety for both cyclists and motorists,” he said.

Some reclamation for the widening will be required from Great North Road to Rosebank Peninsula, and on the seaward side of Rosebank Peninsula from Rosebank Road off-ramp to the Whau River.

Current design indicates 83 houses will need to be purchased for the project. The NZTA has contacted affected residents directly, and Mr McDonald said the agency was committed to keeping people informed as the project develops. A series of community information days will be held over the next four weeks for people to learn more about the project.

Timing of construction will depend on the statutory approvals process, which is likely to take all of 2010. Construction will be coordinated with other works to complete the Western Ring Route.

Completing the Western Ring Route has been identified by Government as one of seven Roads of National Significance. It will provide a 48km alternative motorway from Manukau to Albany that reduces reliance on the Southern Motorway (SH1) and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Notes to Editors:

• Four community information days will be held for residents to find out more about the project:
1. Saturday 26 September – 11am-3pm at Pasadena Intermediate, Pt Chevalier
2. Wednesday 30 September - 3.30-7.30pm at Te Atatu Community Centre and
3. Saturday 10 October - 11am-3pm at Te Atatu Community Centre
4. Saturday 3 October - 11-3pm at Royal Road School, Massey.

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/SH16

ENDS

© Scoop Media