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Safety and reliability of Southern Motorway to improve
Published: 21 October 2015
Southern Motorway heading towards Takanini Source: Our Auckland, Auckland Council
Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Mayor Len Brown on October 21 turned the first sod on the Southern Corridor Improvements project, marking the start of construction on the second of four government accelerated transport projects for the Auckland region.
The NZ Transport Agency’s $268 million project extends from Manukau to Papakura along State Highway 1 and will improve safety and journey reliability on Auckland’s Southern Motorway.
Leighton Contractors will start establishment work from November with construction beginning in February.
Project completion is expected in 2018. However, extra southbound lanes will be completed in early 2017 to coincide with the opening of the Waterview tunnel and ensure there’s capacity for additional traffic entering SH1 from SH20.
NZ Transport Agency’s Auckland Highways Manager, Brett Gliddon, says the project is a critical piece of the network which supports current investment in the Western Ring Route and the regional connections south of Auckland.
“The Southern Corridor is a key route connecting Auckland to the rest of the country. The project will support the rapid population growth that is expected in south Auckland over the next 30 years, while meeting the immediate needs of the city.”
Walking and cycling improvements will also form a key part of the project.
Environmental benefits include low impact and sustainable stormwater treatment methods, salt marsh restoration at the Pahurehure Inlet and significant planting to incorporate eco-sourced indigenous species.
The Southern Corridor Improvements project includes:
• Southbound widening – to 4 lanes between SH20 and Hill Road and to 3 lanes between Hill Road and Papakura
• Northbound widening – to 3 lanes from Papakura to Takanini
• Takanini Interchange upgrade
• Upgrade of 16 existing bridges and construction of six new structures
• A new 4.5km walking and cycleway
• New LED lighting
Excellent to have this much needed project under way with it due for completion by 2018. As a regular user of the Takanini Interchange I know it is a dog and a safety hazard when attempting to enter the motorway city bound. Thus having the upgrade done will at least make that part of the journey better.
Work on widening the Southern Motorway between Manukau and Papakura is about to begin.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges will mark the start of construction on October 21 by turning the first sod near Pescara Point Reserve in Karaka.
The Southern Corridor Improvements project will see lanes added from the SH20-SH1 interchange at Manukau south to Papakura and north from Papakura to Takanini.
The Takanini interchange will also be redesigned to improve safety and access to the motorway. It will include a freight lane and new ramps.
The Government earmarked $210 million in the 2014 budget for the project.
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