New Eastbound Off-ramp Opens: Auckland's North Shore
A new eastbound off-ramp from state highway 18 has opened at Paul Matthews Rd on Tuesday.
All east bound traffic will now drive through a new intersection at the road.
Under the new layout, drivers have to turn right at new traffic lights on the off-ramp to head to Unsworth Heights, state highway 1 at Constellation Drive or to East Coast Bays.
"This is a significant change to how people move around and as expected, we have seen queues on the off-ramp during the morning peak as everyone gets used to the new road layout," said Waka Kotahi national manager of infrastructure delivery Andy Thackwray.
“We’re advising that delays during peak hours will likely continue while people adjust to these changes and we’re asking people to plan ahead and allow extra time to travel.”
The transport agency has encouraged drivers to avoid state highway 18 and use alternative routes where possible as they get used to the changes.
People travelling from west Auckland to the city can use state highway 16 instead.
The number of vehicles using the off-ramp will decrease when the northbound connection between state highway 18 and state highway 1 opens in about 18 months, Waka Kotahi said.
The change in layout paves the way for construction of the new motorway lanes and shared paths, the agency said.
A transport upgrade will see the Northern Busway extended from Constellation to Albany Station.
It includes a new motorway connection between state highway 1 and state highway 18 and will access the western ring route, along with travel to Auckland International Airport.
It will deliver more than 7 km of walking and cycling paths, road and park connections.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Go to Auckland Northern Corridor project page or phone 0800 624 776 for more information.
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Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.1% Yes
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33.3% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
Hikoi - North Island
Police have established a Major Operations Centre (MOC) to provide oversight of the Police response to the upcoming hīkoi from Northland to Wellington.
The MOC, based at Police National Headquarters in Wellington, is providing logistical, resource and communication support to all districts along the hīkoi route.
Major Operations Director Superintendent Kelly Ryan says Police have been engaged with hīkoi organisers for many weeks.
“Our discussions with organisers to date have been positive and we expect the hīkoi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,” she says.
The hīkoi is expected to leave Northland today (Monday 11 November) and travel to Wellington, arriving at Parliament between Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November.
“We’ve planned for large numbers to join the hīkoi, with disruption likely to some roads, including highways and main streets along the route,” Superintendent Ryan says.
“The MOC will support our frontline, district-based staff with the management of people, vehicles and activities, while also maintaining central oversight.
“We will continue to co-ordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routine.
“We’re also well connected with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and local councils to ensure road users have up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.
“The MOC will remain in place while the hīkoi is in Wellington and as participants make their way back home safely.”