Transport minister Phil Twyford has announced additional lanes on Auckland’s western and southern motorways are now open in time for Christmas.
The Lincoln to Westgate section of State Highway 16 has been widened to three lanes in each direction, and the same for the SH1 Takanini and Papakura interchanges.
On average, around 42,000 vehicles a day travel towards the city between Westgate and Lincoln Road, and 95,000 travel between the Takanini and Papakura interchanges.
Twyford says the upgrades will help ease congestion and give more options to commuters.
“Our Government is investing more in building and maintaining roads after years of neglect.
“We’re taking a balanced approach to transport and both of these motorway upgrades include walking and cycling infrastructure, and the SH16 upgrade includes a dedicated bus shoulder lane to speed up public transport trips.
“We know if we give people real alternatives to driving, then some will leave the car at home, which frees up the roads for those that have to drive.
“Safety is our top transport priority and now west Auckland cyclists have a safe, separated shared path all the way from Westgate to the top of Queen Street.
“A 3.5km shared path for pedestrians and cyclists between Papakura and Takanini will connect to other walkways, giving more options for kids and commuters,” Twyford continues.
The new motorway lanes are open to traffic, but some finishing work on the Pescara Point pedestrian bridge and shared path will continue into the New Year.
