The NZ Transport Agency says there’ll be several changes to road layouts as work continues to improve safety and journeys to, from and around Auckland Airport.
The roundabout at Landing Drive will be upgraded to an intersection with permanent traffic lights to help reduce congestion and make journeys more predictable for both highway and local traffic.
From the 24th of March temporary traffic signals will be in place on George Bolt Memorial Drive and Verissimo Drive to help guide motorists and improve traffic flows until the intersection upgrade has been finished.
“Improving this roundabout now will help support development and traffic growth predicted around the airport area and improve journey times and reliability,” says Brett Gliddon the Transport Agency’s Auckland Highway Manager.
Intersections at Ascot Road/Richard Pearse Drive, Ascot Road/Kirkbride Road and Westney Road/Kirkbride Road are also being upgraded.
“The signalised intersections will also make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross through what is a very busy and heavy traffic environment.”
The SH20A/Montgomerie Road intersection will be closed permanently as part of the improvements.
“There are a high number of crashes in this area and closing Montgomerie Road will provide a safer and more reliable route to the airport.”
A detailed plan is being developed for the closure of this intersection and more information will be available when the closure date is confirmed.
The State Highway 20A to Airport project is upgrading the state highway to motorway standard, it’s currently expressway standard.
The $147million project which involves 200 people is estimated to be finished in 2017.
SH20A is the primary route to Auckland Airport and is a strategic link between the Western Ring Route (State Highway 20 and State Highway 16), the airport and greater Auckland. It’s also a crucial connection to the port and industrial areas.
The trench which will separate motorway and local traffic at the SH20A/Kirkbride Road intersection is planned to open July 2017. The state highway will pass through the trench and under Kirkbride Road improving traffic flows on both the highway and for local traffic on Kirkbride Road.
