An upgrade of the SH1/11 intersection at Kawakawa with a roundabout and retaining wall to improve safety and access for all road users and provide better connectivity to services in Kawakawa, Bay of Islands and throughout the Far North.
The intersection of State Highway 1 and State Highway 11 in Kawakawa is a key connector for the Twin Coast Discovery Route and a significant intersection for Far North communities.
The construction of a roundabout and new pedestrian connections has improved access and connectivity for locals, visitors and regional freight.
The recently completed Twin Coast Discovery Route SH1 Kawakawa to Puketona business case identified this intersection as a priority for investment.
SH11 business case [PDF, 16 MB]
Construction of a retaining wall commenced in July 2020, with roundabout construction commencing in October 2020 . These core elements of the project were completed in August 2021. A completion event - featuring the unveiling of a pou whenua, toka (rock), storyboards and the naming of the intersection as Te Kāuru o Taumārere - is currently scheduled for May 2022, COVID restrictions allowing.
Improving access to the Twin Coast Discovery Route helps enhance tourism opportunities in the region. Accessibility to and from services in and around the Kawakawa town centre has been improved through managed traffic flows and better pedestrian and cycle access at the intersection, benefitting local communities, businesses and visitors alike.
Improved access to the Twin Coast Discovery Route enhances tourism opportunities as well as regional freight movements by improving safety and journey time reliability, particularly at peak seasonal times.
