22 September 2016 | AUCKLAND & NORTHLAND

Northwestern motorway a shining light for iwi artwork

Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway has become a shining light for local iwi artwork.

Artistic lighting has been switched on this week across the new Te Atatu Road pedestrian overbridge.

The bridge has been upgraded as part of the Transport Agency’s improvements to the State Highway 16 Interchange.

“This is the first time lighting has been used in this way on the Auckland motorway network,” says Brett Gliddon the Transport Agency’s Auckland Highway Manager.

The NZ Transport Agency asked Te Kawerau a Maki iwi designer Reuben Kirkwood to incorporate a cultural perspective into the look of the new interchange.

“The taniko pattern which is based on a Maori weaving design has been a really popular feature of the new cycling and pedestrian underpasses and it’s great we can now include it in a way that people using the motorway can enjoy too.”

“As well as improving safety and access we’re really pleased we’ve been able to create a great looking section of the motorway network for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.”

132 coloured LED light panels sit inside the bridges metal balustrade and will light up the pattern for motorists heading westbound on the motorway at night.

The lighting, which will usually be coloured blue or green to tie in with the colour theme of the noise walls along the motorway, will be monitored and controlled by staff at the Transport Operation Centre.

The Te Atatu Interchange Upgrade was formally opened by the Minister of Transport, Simon Bridges in May this year. It raised and widened the Te Atatu Road overbridge and upgraded onramps and exits, as well as widening a section of motorway, extending bus shoulder lanes and enhancing cycling and pedestrian facilities. It’s a key component of the 48-km long Western Ring Route, one of the Governments Roads of National Significance to connect the Southwestern, Northwestern and Upper Harbour Highways.

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