North Shore drivers are encouraged to get ready for a change to how they access the suburb of Unsworth Heights due to work associated with the planned upgrade of State Highway 18 (SH18).

The off-ramp from SH18 at Unsworth Drive will close permanently on Sunday 17 February.

The exit is closing so that major work can start to upgrade SH18 into a motorway as part of the Northern Corridor Improvements project, which will improve connections between SH1 and SH18 and provide more travel choices.

“Drivers will still be able to turn off SH18 into Unsworth Heights, either at the earlier Caribbean Drive intersection or by taking the next off ramp on to the Albany Highway and turning left from there into Unsworth Drive,” says NZ Transport Agency Senior Manager Project Delivery Chris Hunt.

“We’re advising drivers to be aware of their options and plan their journeys accordingly.”

Crews will be relocating utilities, installing noise walls alongside SH18 and then completely rebuilding the lanes later in 2019. This is to prepare for the new connections that will eventually connect SH18 to the Northern Motorway.

Mr Hunt says the work has been planned to minimise disruption to drivers but they should still take care while they adjust to the change.

Drivers can look out for reminders on overhead and roadside electronic signs. They can also access the nearby Unsworth Shops and Greenwich Gardens Retirement Village from Caribbean Drive.

The Northern Corridor Improvements project will provide a much needed transport upgrade for the whole Albany and North Shore community, with shared paths for walking and cycling and a proposed busway station. It includes a new motorway connection between SH1 and SH18 and will open up access to the Western Ring Route and travel to the airport.

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/nci or www.facebook.com/NZTAAkl or call the project freephone number 0800 624 776

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