Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises Northland road users that the future expansion of the single-lane roundabout to a dual-lane configuration at Loop Road has now been brought forward and will be delivered as part of the current construction programme.
Further assessment of future traffic growth in the region has identified the need to deliver a two-lane roundabout now rather than later. A two-lane roundabout will improve the safety and efficiency of this important freight link.
More than 19,000 vehicles pass through the intersection each day, with many logging and freight trucks turning right on to SH1 at Loop Road (SH15) to get to Northport.
Customers have been lobbying for a two-lane roundabout for many years, however the bridge south of Loop Road does not allow a safe distance to merge traffic back into a single lane, says Transport Agency’s Senior Manager Project Delivery Andrew Thackwray.
“As part of constructing a two-lane roundabout, a second bridge will be built alongside the existing bridge to accommodate two lanes of southbound traffic,” says Mr Thackwray.
“State highway traffic will merge back into a single southbound lane before the upgraded Portland Road intersection.”
Construction of the Loop Road safety improvements started in March this year and were due for completion in December 2020.
“Additional earthworks and concrete piles to future proof for a two-lane roundabout were completed earlier this year, but road widening and bridge construction will add time to the current construction programme. We now expect to complete the project in early 2022.”
More details will be available early next year and those interested in the project are encouraged to sign up online to receive regular construction updates:
https://nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-loop-road-safety-improvements(external link).
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