Transit New Zealand and Rodney District Council are working together to improve safety and efficiency on State Highway One (SH1) in Warkworth to reduce congestion and support the region’s growth. The project includes proposed improvements to five intersections at Hudson Road and SH1, Hill Street and SH1, Woodcocks Road and SH1, Whitaker Road and SH1, McKinney Road and SH1.
The intersections need to be improved to meet the needs of the Warkworth community, SH1 users and through traffic and people heading to and from the eastern beaches. The improvements are a high priority because as the region grows, more vehicles will put more pressure on the road network.
The estimated cost is set between $5-20M. Under a cost sharing agreement, Transit will fund state highway components and Rodney will construct the Western Collector Route and fund the local roading elements.
The Western Collector Route is a new road proposed by Rodney District Council, that will link McKinney Road and Hudson Road to cater for local traffic and service new developments planned west of SH1.
Two community information days were held to give Warkworth residents and SH1 users a chance to find out more about the planned improvements for the area.
Transit and the council would like to start the improvements to the Hill Street / SH1 and Woodcocks Road / SH1 intersections in 2008 to relieve existing traffic congestion and improve safety.
The remaining work is planned for completion by 2012 in conjunction with Rodney’s proposed Western Collector Route.
Yes. As part of this project Transit and Rodney want to improve walking and cycling conditions across and alongside State Highway One.
Pedestrian and cycling opportunities will also be developed as part of the project.
Congestion at Hill Street intersection needs solving as soon as possible. Even if a by-pass is built sometime in the future, the improvements are still required. A by-pass alone will not solve the intersection’s shortcomings.
Transit is working with Rodney District Council’s Park Department to investigate access to Kowhai Reserve. Transit will ensure that access to this important site is not compromised by any improvements made to the intersection.
Solutions are currently being investigated to assist traffic turning right from Melwood Drive if queuing extends further than this intersection.
A flush-median is proposed adjacent to Shoesmith Street to assist vehicles making these movements.