Full steam ahead for city RWC projects

The Whangarei District Council is rolling out four major construction projects as the city prepares to host two Rugby World Cup pool matches next month.

Unveiling of the new projects will begin on Saturday with the opening of the Porowini Ave extension, followed by the Kamo bypass stage 2 opening on September 4, The Hub opening on September 8, and the Town Basin Market Bridge, Heritage Trail and Art Walk opening on September 10.

Dawn karakia (prayers) will begin the official opening of the $7.5 million Porowini Ave extension at 5.30am on Saturday.

The opening ceremony at 8am will be followed by a breakfast sausage sizzle for the public and a walk over the extension's new bridge before traffic begins using it at 3pm. The Porowini Ave extension is designed to provide a more efficient link between Okara Drive and the port area to Maunu and State Highways 1 and 14.

About 6000 cars are initially expected to use the new road daily, easing congestion in the city centre by allowing traffic from the southern and western suburbs to get to the Okara Park commercial area and the port without entering the central business district.

Whangarei MP Phil Heatley will officially open the $23 million Kamo bypass stage 2 project at 8.30am on September 4 at the entrance to the bypass where it meets Western Hills Drive. The public will be able to walk the bypass from 9.30am until 11.30am, cyclists and skateboarders will then ride the new road until noon, and from 12.30pm the bypass will open to motor traffic.

Although the bypass opening is planned for September 4, the following Sunday - September 11 - has been marked as a standby day if required.

The $1.4 million Hub redevelopment at the Whangarei Town Basin will contain transport services, shops, other facilities and an expanded Whangarei Art Museum. Its opening on September 8 will begin with a 5.30am dawn blessing and an evening ceremony for invited guests.

Coloured lights on the canopy-covered Town Basin Market Bridge impressed during a trial this week, and are expected to be displaying red hues for the city's "Paint it red" Rugby World Cup campaign when switched on again next Wednesday.

The opening of the Market Bridge - formerly known as Victoria bridge - will begin at 9.50am on September 10 with entertainers.

The Heritage Trail and Art Walk are on the Hihiaua peninsula, reached by the Town Basin Walkway.

The trail consists of eight panels depicting Maori and European history of the area.