27 March 2018 | AUCKLAND & NORTHLAND

Northern Corridor Improvements project to start construction

Construction of the main works in the Northern Corridor Improvements (NCI) project will get under way in April, kick starting a four year programme to build a new key connection in Auckland’s transport system.

The NCI Project Alliance, comprising the NZ Transport Agency, Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, Opus and Jacobs, will start construction on 16 April, 2018.

The project will create a new connection between the Northern Motorway (State Highway 1) and State Highway 18, which will build on the improved travel times and resilience customers are already experiencing since the opening of the Waterview Connection. It will also create better transport choices through 7kms of new walking and cycling paths and by extending the Northern Busway to Albany Bus Station.

The Transport Agency’s Senior Manager Project Delivery, Chris Hunt says “residents and commuters on the North Shore will have already noticed early preparation works, including night works which have been under way since January, ahead of the main construction period.”

“Extensive community engagement is already under way to make sure that all affected neighbours and businesses know what will be happening during construction, ahead of time.”

An open day is planned so the project team can explain enhancements made to the project’s design since it was approved in late 2017.

“The design team has looked closely at innovative construction techniques and the latest best practice traffic management ideas to improve customer journeys and reduce the impact of construction, ” says Mr Hunt.

One of the major changes is to replace the overpass connecting SH1 southbound to SH18 westbound with an underpass. This will reduce the earthworks required, as well as noise and visual impact for communities overlooking the motorway.

Another big change is where Paul Matthews Road joins Upper Constellation Drive (SH18). The original design had a bridge crossing the motorway to Paul Matthews Drive, but Paul Matthews Drive will now be built to run alongside the motorway and connect directly at a new intersection at Caribbean Drive. The bridge will no longer be required, significant earthworks are reduced and most of the work on this new extension will be done offline so it will not affect traffic during construction.

Anyone keen to learn more about the project and design changes is invited to an Open Day on Wednesday 28 March at the NZTA Hub, 33a Apollo Drive between 7am and 7pm.

A new series of maps and posters will also be published on our website after the open days - http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/the-western-ring-route/auckland-northern-corridor/

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