The notorious stretch of road is being replaced by a new route (inset). Photos / Glenn Jeffrey
Motorists travelling on State Highway Two will now dodge a notorious windy section of road that has claimed dozens of lives.
The new $46 million stretch of highway between Thames and Auckland is 7km long.
Transport Agency regional manager Kaye Clark said the road had been notorious for head-on crashes that had resulted in multiple deaths.
She said the new road was straighter and wider.
It will be subjected to a 70km an hour limit while the new seal settles.
Mrs Clark said an opening event to mark the completion of the project would be held at the Maramarua Golf club next Wednesday.
HISTORY OF DEATHS ON FATAL ROAD
September 26, 2008
- A man is transported to Middlemore with life-threatening injuries after a car crash.
November 30, 2007
- Sloane Barry, 22, died after the car he was travelling in, collided with a concrete post.
August 13, 2007
- Seventeen people were injured when a bus veered across the centre line before crashing into a truck.
July 16, 2007
A 24-year-old driver ploughed head-on into a truck near Maramarua, on State Highway 2, about 6.30.
May 7, 2007
Rajesh Kumar, 35, and Sameer Chaudhary, 22, died when their car crossed the centre line and was crushed by a truck
February 18, 2007
A man died after a single-vehicle crash at Mangatawhiri, near Maramarua.
2002-2006
According to statistics from Land Transport New Zealand, the stretch of State Highway Two between Sate Highway One and 22 saw 18 fatal accidents between 2002 and 2006.
There were also 39 serious injuries in the same period.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
The Prime Minister made the pre-Budget health announcement in Botany this afternoon.