New SH1/Tarewa Rd intersection in Whangārei formally opens

The SH1/Tarewa Rd intersection has been formally opened - the last of six projects to improve traffic flows on the highway through the city. Photo / Tania Whyte

The last of six projects to improve traffic flows on State Highway 1 through Whangārei has been completed, with the formal opening of the SH1/Tarewa Rd intersection.

Associate Transport Minister Shane Jones yesterday

opened the intersection improvements project, the last of six projects to improve the state highway through the city by easing bottlenecks and congestion.

"These improvements by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will make this intersection safer for all road users, whether they are travelling around Whangārei or passing through," Jones said.

New traffic lights make it safer for traffic turning right off SH1 into Tarewa Rd, along with free left turns on to and off SH1. For pedestrians and cyclists there are new signalled pedestrian crossings at SH1/Tarewa Rd and a new shared path under Otaika Bridge.

These provide much-needed safe connections between the city centre, Whangārei Hospital and Northland Polytech, he said.

"Creating safe walking and cycling opportunities encourages more people to walk or cycle which in turn helps reduce traffic congestion on our roads. More people walking and cycling is also better for their health and the environment," Jones said.

The striking mural that will adorn the wall of the new shared path under Otaika Bridge was designed and is being painted by local artist Benjamin Pittman with help from children from Horahora Primary School. It symbolises elements within nature that are important to Te Parawhau iwi including kukupa (native wood pigeon) and pātiki (flounder).

The project including replacing and widened Otaika Bridge as part of extending SH1 to four lanes as far as Tarewa. A widening of SH1 to four lanes will continue south of the upgraded SH1/Tarewa Rd intersection as part of the Whangārei to Port Marsden Highway project, due to begin construction in late 2023/early 2024.

''After disruption and delays from Covid-19 restrictions and July's extreme weather which washed away landscaping and damaged some temporary structures, I am delighted this project is very near completion," Jones said.