The Maungatapu underpass project will reach a major milestone when the underpass opens to traffic Friday, 22 June 2018.
The 120m-long underpass is a two-lane link underneath the Maungatapu roundabout. A temporary 50km/h speed restriction will be in place through the underpass, and the new traffic lights will be operating at the Welcome Bay Road and Welcome Bay Link Road intersection.
A temporary stop sign will be installed at Hairini Street. Drivers will be encouraged to use the access from the Maungatapu roundabout.
The separate shared cycleway through the underpass will not open until the Hairini Street connection is complete.
The access to Hammond Street from SH29A will be closed and access will be from the new Welcome Bay Road intersection.
The traffic switch through the underpass will enable work on the connecting local roads to be completed. Finishing works are continuing on Welcome Bay Road, Welcome Bay Lane, Hammond Street, Turret Road, Hairini Street and the Maungatapu roundabout, with speed restrictions, shoulder closures and night works.
NZ Transport Agency Project Manager John McCarthy urged road users to take care when travelling through the underpass.
“We are nearing project completion, however the area remains a construction site. As such, I urge people to take care and stay focussed when travelling through the area, for their safety, and the safety of their passengers and all other road users and construction workers."
The Maungatapu underpass project will improve people’s journeys around the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts, separate state highway and local traffic, and make travel safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
More than 5100 people took the opportunity to walk or cycle through the underpass at a recent community day.
Read more about the project here: www.nzta.govt.nz/hairinilink(external link)
EDITOR’S NOTE: For safety reasons we will not release what time the underpass will open to traffic and the opening is subject to change due to weather conditions.
