Drivers will be enjoying safer and easier access to the Warkworth showgrounds with the successful and early completion of a $3.5m upgrade to Hudson Road and the intersection with State Highway 1 at the north end of Warkworth.
“We’re rapt that this job has been finished six weeks early so that drivers can benefit from these safety improvements sooner,” says the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker.
The upgrade includes several features:
Mr Parker says the new traffic lights now operating at the intersection will provide safer access to and from the showgrounds as well as to the western side of Warkworth, and he urged drivers on SH1 to be aware that the new lights are now operating.
“We’ve worked with Auckland Council to ensure the timing and coordination of the upgrade so that it compliments their showground development and consent conditions.”
Mr Parker also congratulated the Wellsford-based Wharehine Group for a successful project and for the way company staff had worked with the community and minimised any disruption to state highway and local traffic.
“Throughout the project, Wharehine received great feedback from the community for keeping the site tidy and for keeping people informed of what was happening. On top of this they have completed the contract early and to a very high standard,” Mr Parker says.
The upgrade is part of the wider SH1/Warkworth improvements programme, and the Hudson Road/ SH1 project follows on from the completion earlier of the Woodcock and Whitaker Roads/SH1 intersection improvements. In the new year, Wharehine will construct a cycle and walking path on SH1 between Hudson Road and Hill Street.
Mr Parker says the Transport Agency will continue to work with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport on the improvement programme’s next stages for creating safer and more reliable journeys and to cater for growth in the area.
“The Council has identified Warkworth as a future satellite town where growth and economic development is vital. Easing congestion is important to support this and we are working closely with the Council and Auckland Transport to ensure our projects are aligned and meet the area’s future needs.”
For more information, including frequently asked questions regarding the suite of Warkworth/State Highway 1 improvement projects, please see the NZ Transport Agency website at www.nzta.govt.nz/warkworth(external link)
