Two safety projects underway in Warkworth, Helensville

Queues of holiday makers near Puhoi. Photo / Greg Bowker

The NZ Transport Agency is about to start another two projects to improve safety for motorists south of Warkworth and Helensville.

The Agency is building a new right hand turning bay from SH1 into Valerie Close, south of Warkworth. The shoulder will be widened and a new guardrail installed.

"The community has told us they're concerned about the safety of traffic heading south out of Warkworth and turning right into a popular winery. We've listened and hope this new turning bay will make this stretch of the state highway safer for everyone," says Brett Gliddon, the Transport Agency's Highway Manager for Auckland and Northland.

Work is due to start on the 23 November and is expected to be completed by 11 December.

There will be some single lane closures to allow the works to take place safely.

Safety improvements are also being made for those using State Highway 16 south of Helensville.

The road shoulder north of Pipitiwai Drive will be widened and the road resurfaced.

A new stone retaining wall will also be built as well as guardrails to reduce the risk of vehicles leaving the road.

"There's been a history of crashes on this stretch of road and these measures will help make the highway safer and more forgiving when people make mistakes."

Traffic control will be in place to manage some single lane road closures. The work is due to get underway 30 November and finish by 23 December.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience during these works.