Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Northern Corridor Improvements

29 June 2022


 

The next generation of city and transport planners

We were thrilled when the Meadowood Community Creche invited us to check out a new city by the sea which the children had created after being inspired by artist James Rizzi; and we reckon a career in city or transport planning awaits when they grow up.

Keen to create a city which reflects what’s important to them, it was great to see so many playgrounds, green spaces and even the inclusion of pilates equipment in and around the houses and apartments so that people can keep fit and healthy. The network of roads even included an overbridge inspired by the SH1 and SH18 motorway connections which we’re currently building. Although we would love to provide octopus in the stormwater ponds or batman to keep an eye on residents from his tower, we’re not sure that’s something we can get across the line anytime soon…but watch this space!

Collaborating together with so much thought into the detail of their city, their enthusiasm shone through - well done for such great mahi.

 

 

Francois on site at Constellation Drive next to the Matariki design panels

A fresh eye on Matariki

Created in partnership with mana whenua to tell the cultural story of people and place, over 6,500 concrete panels of various designs feature across the project area.

One of the designs among these is the tukemata/whatu (eyebrow/eye) which is a tribute to Matariki. Translating literally as ‘the eye of the gods’, Matariki appears as an eye oriented north, south, east and west to reflect the multiple transport connections and people’s navigation.

We caught up with Francois Bigorre from the construction team who helped fabricate the project’s first 3,500 panels and then moved from maker to placer to install the final 3,000 panels. As a result, he’s played a role in virtually all panels which is a pretty impressive achievement.

And his favourite?

“It has to be the one for Matariki. I love the detail, the geometry, the design. I didn’t initially know anything about the design, and so it was fascinating to learn about its meaning” says Francois.

 

 

Aerial view of the westbound on-ramp

SH18 westbound on-ramp update

Working in a busy urban environment with over 100,000 vehicles travelling through the project area every day, it’s important that we keep people and goods moving.

We’ve carefully planned construction of the new SH18 westbound onramp in stages as it’s an area which has a restricted workspace and we need to balance both the safety of our team working on the ground while ensuring the road remains open during the day.

As part of our next stage of works, traffic will be moved onto a new layout in early August to allow a temporary section of road to be removed, the embankment reshaped, top soiled and landscaping completed before the end of the 2022 planting season. We’ll also be installing a safety barrier and street lighting in addition to completing the shared path between Caribbean Drive and Rook Reserve. This work is expected to take several months to complete - we’ll keep you updated with progress.

 


 

Your community contacts

To find out more or provide feedback, please contact our Community Engagement Managers Emma Cushnie and Trish Viall.

Freephone: 0800 624 776

Email: 
northerncorridor@nzta.govt.nz

 

 

Whakapā mai | Contact us

For more information on the Auckland Northern Corridor project, contact us on 0800 NCI Project (0800 624 776) or at northerncorridor@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/nci