Preparatory work has started on the final stage of the SH16 Northwestern Motorway upgrade, the section between Lincoln Road and Westgate.
The Northwestern Motorway upgrade is part of the larger Western Ring Route, one of the government’s Roads of National Significance designed to provide an alternative route to SH1 and move people and freight more safely and efficiently.
The NZ Transport Agency says widening the motorway from 2 to 3 lanes between Lincoln Road and Westgate will support the expected growth in the western suburbs and increased traffic using the Western Ring Route and Waterview tunnels, which are scheduled to open in 2017.
This project will also see a new bus shoulder lane in each direction, reduce bottlenecks and provide more options for walking, cycling and bus travel.
The interchange at Royal Road will be improved with more lanes, upgraded ramps and a wider, 3-lane bridge over the motorway, comprising an on-road cycle lane and a 3-metre wide shared pedestrian and cycle path. Huruhuru Road Bridge will be replaced and raised to improve clearance for high vehicles on the motorway.
Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to enjoy the Northwestern Cycleway all the way to the Westgate footbridge, which will be extended as part of this project. The 3-metre wide shared path will connect communities and provide more options for pedestrians and cyclists to use the path for commuting and leisure activities.
The project will tie into the recent work completed by the Transport Agency at the SH16 Lincoln Road Interchange.
Construction is due to start mid-2016 and is expected to be completed by early 2019.
The project team is holding the following open day sessions for the community to find out more.
Dates: Saturday 14 November, 10am–2pm
Tuesday 17 November, 4pm–7pm (call in at any time during these times)
Venue: Royal Road Primary School Hall, 112 Royal Road, Massey
For more information on the project check out the website at: www.nzta.govt.nz/sh16-lincoln-to-westgate
