The NZ Transport Agency regrets that there have been some delays to the State Highway 1 improvements at Warkworth, but says local people and other motorists using the highway will shortly be able to enjoy the benefits from the first section of the upgrade.
The NZ Transport Agency regrets that there have been some delays to the State Highway 1 improvements at Warkworth, but says local people and other motorists using the highway will shortly be able to enjoy the benefits from the first section of the upgrade.
Widening SH1 to two lanes from Woodcocks to Whitaker Road to increase capacity will be completed over the next few weeks, while work at the Whitaker Road junction – including a free left-turn heading south - will be completed next month. All work here is expected to be completed in June before moving to Hudson Road.
“These are just the first tranche of the improvements, and we’re confident that they will deliver benefits in terms of smoother driving, and safety for both motorists and pedestrians,” said the NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker.
Mr Parker said he appreciated the support for the project from the community.
“We are grateful for residents’ continuing patience and will continue to keep them informed during the construction by providing ongoing updates in the local media and on the project website www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/warkworth(external link) “he says.
Mr Parker said the joint NZTA-Rodney District Council project continued to make good progress despite a number of challenges.
The NZTA and RDC were capitalising on the road improvement work to also upgrade key services for the Warkworth community such as water, electricity and communications with the installation of fibre optic cables. A lot of this work was happening underground.
“This work, together with an increase in summer traffic travelling through the area has slowed down traffic and regrettably led to some delays for motorists. We will be doing all we can to minimise inconvenience to local residents as the work progresses,” Mr Parker says.
Work started in April 2009 at the Woodcocks and Whitaker Road intersections. The improvements include signalising Woodcocks Road intersection and upgrading signals at Whitaker Road intersection to provide safer pedestrian and traffic movements, particularly for those travelling to and from Woodcocks Road including Mahurangi College.
avement widening and footpath construction is also currently underway along the state highway. When completed, they will provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists.
The series of projects, that also include improvements at Hudson Road, Hill Street and McKinney Road, are designed to better manage traffic congestion through Warkworth and keep pace with planned development in Rodney district.
Overall completion of the improvements project is expected during 2012.
