A major new road is being opened in Auckland next week.
The road is an underpass that is part of the direct link from State Highway 1 to State Highway 18 and is part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's Northern Corridor Improvements project.
The completion of the two-kilometre underpass between the two state highways also means the Western Ring Route will also officially be opened, "providing a seamless and robust alternative to SH1".
"Reliable journey times for people and freight will be a bi-product of the work that has taken place across multiple years and projects to improve the resilience and performance of Auckland's transport network, protecting our infrastructure against the elements and providing a choice for people who need to get around Auckland," Waka Kotahi's Transport Services regional manager Stephen Collett said in a statement on Friday.
Collett said the direct motorway link that was opened in February, has already established a "seamless transition" for motorists going from west Auckland to North Auckland and the underpass would do the same for motorists travelling in the other direction.
Waka Kotahi said approximately six Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of material was excavated to create the 'hole' of the underpass.
Concrete panels were also used to make the underpass and the colours inside will reflect the landscape of the coastline on the east to the Waitakere Ranges to the west.
"The urban design narrative was developed in partnership with mana whenua to reflect the cultural history of the area," Collet said.
"The elements which feature on the entrance to the underpass reflect the Pātiki design which is based on the diamond shape of the flounder fish to represent the diverse kai caught and transported through the area."
In a statement on Friday Transport Minister Michael Wood said the completion of the Western Ring Route (WRR) improves the "resilience and performance" of Auckland's transport network.
"The Western Ring Route will provide a second route through Auckland, supporting economic transformation as a major freight corridor to enable goods and services to move safely and steadily throughout New Zealand," Wood said.
He said the underpass between SH1 and SH18 means two decades of major infrastructure has been completed.
"The WRR links Manukau, the city, west Auckland and the North Shore, creating more connections in the transport network, supporting growth and ensuring greater reliability and resilience," Wood said.
He said the Government is invested in helping improve transport infrastructure in Auckland.
"In addition to this project we recently broke ground on Auckland Light Rail, announced an additional $200 million into the Eastern Busway extension to bring the Crown contribution to over $600 million, started construction on O Mahurangi - Penlink, and opened the Old Māngere Bridge Replacement," Wood said.
"Whether this is through the transport of goods, people travelling to work, school or visiting whānau and family, an efficient, safe, modern, and resilient transport network is central to ensuring Auckland thrives."
