The NZ Transport Agency, Rodney District Council and guests today celebrated the start of construction on improvements to SH1 in and around Warkworth.
The NZ Transport Agency, Rodney District Council and guests today celebrated the start of construction on improvements to SH1 in and around Warkworth.
The $20 million project jointly funded by the NZTA and Rodney District Council will see five key intersections on SH1 Warkworth upgraded to increase capacity on SH1 and connecting roads. The first phase of the improvements between Woodcocks Road and Whitaker Road will help manage current and future, local and regional traffic on SH1 through Warkworth. Later phases of the project will include upgrading intersections at Hill Street, Hudson Road and McKinney Road.
This morning the Mahurangi College kapa haka group welcomed NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland/Northland Wayne McDonald, Rodney District Mayor Penny Webster, iwi representatives and guests onto the school grounds near to where the first phase of work between Woodcocks Road and Whitaker Road will begin.
These improvements include:
Wayne McDonald says, “We’re grateful to the school for hosting us today and look forward to work starting at the Woodcocks Road intersection. The upgrades will improve travel for motorists but more importantly, safety for students travelling to and from the school. The new signalised intersection will eliminate the risks motorists take daily when turning into and out of Woodcocks Road from SH1.”
The work to cover all phases of this $20 million joint project will take place over approximately the next four years and has been staged to minimise disruption to the community and make sure the roading network keeps pace with Rodney’s development. A detailed traffic management plan will be in place to minimise disruption to the local community.
Work is expected to commence after Easter weekend to avoid impacting holiday traffic and another open day and newsletter is planned for the community in the next few months.
Like any long weekend, higher traffic volumes and delays are expected for Easter so motorists are encouraged to plan their travel before they leave, to minimise delays on SH1. They can use the free alternative routes on SH17 via Silverdale and Orewa and on SH16 between Auckland and Wellsford. For those planning on using the toll road, it's easier buy a return trip in advance at www.tollroad.govt.nz(external link) or call free on 0800 40 20 20.
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Stakeholder and Communications Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T 64 9 368 2042
E ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
