SH1 upgrade will impact on Whangarei traffic this weekend

The NZ Transport Agency is closing State Highway 1 (Western Hills Drive) to all left and right turning traffic at the intersection of Central Avenue/SH1 in Whangarei from this Friday (March 8) until Monday (11 March) for necessary widening works.

The NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Northland, Tommy Parker, says the closure is necessary to complete one of the construction stages on the project to widen SH1.

“While the works will cause some traffic disruptions and add time to travel plans, they are necessary to ensure that this upgrade can be completed in late April, ahead of schedule” Mr Parker says.

The closures are as follows:

• Friday 6pm 8 March until Monday 3pm 11 March you will not be able to turn left into Central Ave East nor will you be able to turn right out of Central Avenue East, as this road will be closed. Central Avenue West will also remain closed, allowing only north and southbound through traffic on the state highway. Wilson Avenue West will remain open.
• 3pm 11 March 2013 it is planned to have the new traffic signals and road layout at the Central Avenue intersection open, allowing people to travel to and from Central Avenue East and West.

The Central Avenue/SH1 intersection upgrade is part of the wider Whangarei Improvements project aimed at creating safer and more reliable journeys in the city.  The NZTA’s project includes safer facilities for walkers and cyclists, widening the highway, and smoother traffic flows at intersections.  They will help ease congestion, which will support economic growth in and around Whangarei by making it easier for people to travel.

“We appreciate the support and patience of the community in Whangarei for allowing us to get on with these improvements and keep ahead of schedule so that we can deliver them sooner than planned,” Mr Parker says.