SH1 Loop Road Upgrade

Loop Rd is the southern portion of an ‘inland freight route’, which rosses SH1 south of Whangarei. The intersection with the state highway is a critical connection for the Northland forestry sector on the journey to and from Northport at Marsden Point, where logs are sent for export. With increasing traffic volumes in a high speed environment, there is a growing safety risk and operation delays for freight traffic at this location. 

The project is in Otaika on the southern fringe of Whangarei, approximately 7km south of the Whangarei CBD. The works continue from the Northern roundabout to Portland Rd at the southern tie-in, totalling approximately 900m in length.

Delivery of the physical works for the SH1 Loop Road to Smeaton’s Hill Safety Improvements Project which will include the following construction:

·         New dual-lane southbound lanes extending south from the SH15 Loop Road / SH1 roundabout (CH760) tying into the existing road alignment just north of the property at 673 SH1 (CH1660).

·         Widening of the northbound and southbound carriageway south of the existing Otaika Creek Bridge tying into the existing road alignment just north of the property at 673 SH1 (CH1660);

·         A new dual lane 75m long three-span super-tee bridge over Otaika Creek to carry southbound traffic (the bridge will be approximately 1.8m higher than the existing bridge to accommodate expected future flood levels;

·         Realignment of the Oaks Road and SH1 intersection, to shift the intersection approximately 70m to the south;

·         Southbound traffic will merge back into single lane before the Portland Road intersection, and northbound traffic splits after the existing Otaika Creek Bridge;

·         Construction of permanent retaining wall and scour protection on eastern bank of Otaika Creek adjacent to the northbound widening.

·         Alteration of the Oaks Road and SH1 intersection to left turn in and left turn out only;

·         Provision of a shared path across the project area and associated landscaping.

·         Provision of road lighting, safety barriers and lane marking as required.