The NZ Transport Agency advises all drivers, particularly those operating heavy vehicles, to be aware of changes at the Te Atatu Road Interchange on Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway (SH16).
From 5am this Tuesday (6 May), heavy vehicles heading north over the bridge into Te Atatu Peninsula, or on to the citybound lanes of the motorway, can use only the right hand lane. The restriction will be in place for the next nine months while upgrades to the overbridge are completed.
Both northbound lanes on the overbridge are being reconfigured. The left hand lane will be narrowed to 2.9 metres and access restricted to cars and light commercial vehicles. To allow more room for heavy vehicles, the right hand lane will be widened to 3.2 metres.
A speed restriction of 30kph will be in place for all drivers using the interchange.
“We’re introducing these changes to help ensure that everyone is kept safe while we complete our upgrade of the interchange” says the Transport Agency’s Acting Highway Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton.
“We do ask drivers to take extra care while driving through our project, and to observe the speed limit for their safety and also for the safety of our contractors. This will enable us to keep the interchange open while we’re working,” Mr Mutton says.
Key features of the $50m project include widening the Northwestern Motorway between the Te Atatu Road and Patiki Road interchanges, widening all five ramps on the interchange, enhancing existing facilities for walkers and cyclists and widening and raising the Te Atatu Road overbridge.
The Te Atatu Interchange is one of five projects to complete the Western Ring Route - one of the Government’s seven roads of national significance to help promote economic growth. Once completed, the 47 kilometre-long Western Ring Route will provide a strategic alternative to SH1, central Auckland and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. There other 4 projects that complete the Western Ring Route are.
To stay up to date with the progress and to get more information about the projects can be found at: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/stayconnected(external link).
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland/Northland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T: 09 928 8720
M: 027 213 7616
E: ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
