20 February 2015 | NZ Transport Agency - Auckland

SH20A to Airport project will improve links and journey times

The SH20A to Airport transport project is a key link to helping build greater resilience and reliability for journeys on Auckland’s motorway network, says the NZ Transport Agency Auckland and North Highway Manager Brett Gliddon.

“The $146 million project, one of the four Government accelerated transport projects for the Auckland region, will help address congestion, improve access to Auckland International Airport and enable us to build better connections to regional ports and industrial areas.”

Transport Minister Simon Bridges today (February 20) turned the first sod for the project, which will take two years to complete and will help manage growth in population, jobs and freight in Auckland.

“This project will provide for better journey reliability for all road users, as well as improved safety with the separation of motorway traffic and local traffic at the Kirkbride intersection.

“It will also enable the Transport Agency to fully realise the benefits of the development of the Western Ring Road, taking travellers to and from the airport along SH20A, SH20 through the Waterview Connection, SH16 and SH18, when the Waterview tunnels open in 2017.”

Mr Gliddon says importantly, working with Auckland Transport the Transport Agency had been able to future-proof the route by accommodating in the design provision for bus shoulders and/or rail if required in the future.

“While future travel options to and from the airport are still being investigated, it makes sense that our design for the new Kirkbride interchange provides for a multi-modal approach as we look to meet the projected growth of 14 million to 40 million passengers through Auckland Airport during the next 30 years.”

The SH20A to Airport project includes:

• Upgrading SH20A from an expressway to a motorway

• Building a motorway interchange at Kirkbride Road, motorway traffic travelling under the local road for a distance of about 580 metres

• A widened trench design to allow for a future rail link to the airport

• A fully segregated shared path alongside SH20A between the Landing Drive roundabout and Kirkbride Road.

• A shared path on both sides of the new Kirkbride bridge over SH20A

• An upgrade of the Kirkbride Road/Ascot Park intersection to include two left turn lanes from Kirkbride Road

• Traffic signals at the Richard Pearse Drive/Ascot Road and Kirkbride Road/ Westney Road intersection

• Improved lighting and stormwater provision along the corridor

• Integration with Watercare’s Hunua 4 water main as it crosses over SHJ2A

• Closure of the Montgomerie Road/ SH20A intersection

The SH20A to Airport project is being delivered by the MHX Kirkbride Alliance, a partnership between the NZ Transport Agency, Fletchers, Beca and Higgins Contractor.

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