Usual routes open for drivers

Graham St has been closed to all traffic except vehicles turning left from Mill Rd to stop vehicles cutting from Graham St to Mair St which was causing a number of crashes. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Motorists driving through the Mill Rd area will soon be able to take their normal route again as Nixon St is set to be reopened in the next few weeks while roadworks go on hold over winter.

Whangarei's Nixon St and part of Hatea Dr have been closed to non-residents since February as part of the first stage of a project to expand the road to four lanes.

While the roads have been closed, motorists were encouraged to use detours along Kamo Rd, Mill Rd, Parahaki St, Mair St and Hatea Dr.

Whangarei District Council roading project manager Mark Seakins said the work was going well and both Nixon St and part of Hatea Dr was set to re-open on the weekend of June 20.

"Everything's on track. Nixon St will be open over winter and we're looking at closing it again in late August or early September."

Mr Seakins said when Nixon St is closed again, motorists would be encouraged to use the detours currently in place.

Police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said because of the heavy traffic flow through the current detours there had been a number of crashes.

As of May 14, 19 crashes had happened in Whangarei's Mill Rd area since road works started and one resident said she had spotted another only recently which was attended by ambulance.