Frequently asked questions
What is the Hobsonville Deviation motorway?
The Hobsonville Deviation is a new motorway built by the NZ Transport Agency to connect the end of the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) at Hobsonville Road to the Upper Harbour Bridge and the Greenhithe Motorway. It is 6 kilometres long with two lanes in each direction.
What is the Brigham Creek Extension motorway?
The Brigham Creek Extension is a new 3 kilometre extension of the Northwestern motorway between Hobsonville Road and Brigham Creek Road. The motorway has two lanes in each direction to reduce congestion around Westgate.
Why do we need a new motorway?
The new Hobsonville Motorway joins the Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18) through Greenhithe and Albany to provide a continuous motorway for drivers travelling from Waitakere to the North Shore. The four-lane motorway relieves pressure on Hobsonville Road, a two-lane local road that used to experience severe congestion during peak hours.
The Hobsonville Motorway project is also a critical part of the Western Ring Route, a 48 kilometre motorway alternative through Auckland that bypasses the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Completion of the Western Ring Route has been prioritised by the Government through its Roads of National Significance programme.
How much will the motorway cost?
$220 million.
When will it open?
The motorway opened in August 2011.
Who is doing the work?
HEB Construction built the motorway for the NZ Transport Agency, with Opus Consultants and Aurecon working as technical advisors to the project.
How does the Hobsonville motorway link to the new motorway through Greenhithe?
SH18 Hobsonville Deviation is the last section of the Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18) to be built.
At its eastern end it links to the Upper Harbour Bridge and Greenhithe Motorway. The Greenhithe Motorway is a 5.5 kilometre, four-lane motorway opened in 2007 that connects Upper Harbour Bridge to Paul Matthews Road near Unsworth Heights.
Are there bus lanes on the motorway?
The shoulders of both motorways are designed to accommodate bus shoulder lanes in the future. The motorway will reduce traffic on Hobsonville Road to give a quicker trip for buses.
What about pedestrians and cyclists?
The cyclist and pedestrian path on the Upper Harbour Bridge connects to Hobsonville Road by the new Squadron Drive Bridge. Cyclist and pedestrian facilities are also included in the new Hobsonville Road Interchange. Clarks Lane footbridge is used by pedestrians and cyclists.
There is work occurring on or near my property – who can I speak to? How can I find out more information?
The Transport Agency is committed to working with all residents affected by the work. If you would like to discuss work happening near your property, please contact us. Regular newsletters and updates have been distributed during the project to residents and businesses in the local area.
Why is there no link between the SH18 Hobsonville Deviation and the SH16 Extension to Kumeu provided by the project?
When the project was originally designed, traffic modelling and economic analyses at the time concluded that dedicated links between the SH16 Extension and the new SH18 Hobsonville Deviation Motorway could not be justified because of the predicted low traffic volume, complex structural design and significant cost. Brigham Creek Road (an Auckland Council road) is currently considered to be an acceptable alternative link to accommodate the Kumeu/Helensville traffic to and from the North Shore.
During the course of the project, development and significant regional growth has been planned for the local area that was not detailed back in 1997 when the current motorway project was designated. As a result of the Transport Agency's regular review process on improving the State Highways nationally, the Transport Agency is now developing the preliminary design for the SH16/SH18 Kumeu to North Shore motorway link. Following this, the land required will be designated under the Public Works Act. This will then facilitate these links to be constructed as part of a future Transport Agency project when the economics justifies the significant cost to construct the links.
What is the quickest way to get from Kumeu to the Westgate shopping centre?
If you’re travelling to Westgate from Kumeu or further north, you can use Fred Taylor Drive (old SH16) to get to the Don Buck Road roundabout.
For motorists travelling on the new SH16 Brigham Creek Extension towards the city, the first exit is at Lincoln Road. The new extension is designed to give a quicker trip for motorists travelling longer distances, such as to the central city.
Once the Upper Harbour Motorway is completed, will the road between Albany Highway and the Northern Motorway be upgraded to motorway standard? Will there be a dedicated SH18–SH1 link, bypassing the intersection which is currently controlled by traffic lights?
The Transport Agency has investigated a new motorway-to-motorway link between the SH18 Albany Highway Interchange and the SH1 Constellation Drive Interchange. Further investigation will take place, as set out in the National Land Transport Programme. This will assess the feasibility of upgrading the SH1 Interchange and the current expressway between Albany Highway and the interchange. Access for Caribbean Drive and Paul Matthews Road will also be considered.
Now the motorway is open, will Hobsonville Road still be a state highway?
No. The plan is for Hobsonville Road to become a local road managed by Auckland Transport.
What are the ‘Sinton Windows’?
Sinton Windows is a major artwork created by Waitakere artist John Radford in partnership with the former Waitakere City Council. The artwork incorporates some of the salvaged windows from the now demolished Sinton House. The artwork sits in Clarks Lane alongside the pedestrian and cyclist bridge.
How will the impact of motorway construction on the environment be managed?
A comprehensive plan was in place during construction to minimise the effects on the environment. Erosion and sediment from work sites was collected by temporary and permanent ponds. Concrete walls bordering the motorway included wave designs to make them more aesthetically pleasing. Timber walls painted an orange colour minimise noise from the motorway on surrounding businesses and residences. Landscaping includes native trees and plants.
