A $700-million project delivering improved transport infrastructure for freight, cars, pedestrians and cyclists on Auckland's north shore has notched up its first key milestone - a new walking and cycling bridge across the Northern Motorway.
On the evening of Monday 1 October, the final central girder was lifted into place across the Northern Motorway in Albany.
"It's bright red and named Tirohanga Whānui, which means ‘panoramic view’," says Auckland Councillor Wayne Walker.
"When opened, it will connect the community between the East Coast Bays and Albany," he says.
Finishing touches will be made to the bridge and a shared path added to each entrance of it before the bridge is opened in early 2019.
“The Northern Corridor Improvements Project will provide a much-needed transport upgrade for local residents,” says Auckland Councillor John Watson.
“The four-year programme of projects will deliver additional lanes along SH1 (Oteha to Constellation), a new motorway connection between SH18 and SH1, and the extension of the Northern Busway from Constellation Station to Albany Station."
The project will also deliver new and improved facilities for three surrounding sports codes impacted by the state highway project – hockey, pony clubs and BMX, along with over seven kilometres of new walking and cycling paths.
Upper Harbour Local Board Chairperson Margaret Miles says, “Construction of the new facilities has progressed rapidly.”
“It’s pleasing to see so much done in such a short time, including construction of new facilities for our three impacted sporting codes."
"We look forward to seeing them all completed and opened in the very near future,” says Miles.
North Harbour BMX
North Harbour BMX has been relocated to Hooton Reserve where a new world-class premiere BMX facility is nearing the final stages of construction. The track has taken shape, and with more fine spells of weather, the final layers of the weather-proof Sic Surface will be laid. The new facility is scheduled to open in November 2018.
North Harbour Hockey
The international-standard complex for North Harbour hockey enthusiasts is making quick progress at its new Bush Road site. The new hockey centre is scheduled to open in time to host the FIH Hockey Tournament in early 2020.
Wainoni Park Pony facilities
New pony facilities at Greenhithe will provide riders and their horses in the Upper Harbour area with a modern and safe space to enjoy. Two new all-weather arenas have already been built and a new race is well underway. The upgrades are expected to be completed in early 2019.