Cyclists given a detour | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Northwestern cyclists should factor in some extra zig-zagging around Hobsonville from this Friday.

Cyclists using Hobsonville Road and the Upper Harbour Bridge will notice changes to their daily route from Friday, August 20, because of the NZ Transport Agency's SH18 Hobsonville Deviation motorway project.

A detour will be in place from the intersection of Hobsonville Rd and Buckley Ave. Cyclists can cross Hobsonville Rd, continue along Buckley Ave and over the new Squadron Drive Bridge. This joins the existing cycle path in the lead up to Upper Harbour Bridge.

Cyclists travelling west from the North Shore can follow the same route in reverse.

State highways manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker says safety of cyclists and pedestrians is a priority.

"It's important to the NZTA that cyclists and pedestrians can move safely around our construction sites," he says. "This temporary route avoids construction happening at the Squadron Drive Interchange, and takes in a new wide shared footpath we've recently finished on Squadron Drive Bridge."

The existing shared concrete path on Hobsonville Rd beyond Buckley Avenue will be removed so construction can continue on the Squadron Drive Interchange that will eventually give motorway access to Hobsonville motorists when the project is complete in 2012.

Mr Parker advises cyclists to look out for signs in the area showing the new route. Cyclists are also asked to share the route and be considerate to pedestrians, who will also be using the new route.

In the event of wet weather, the route change will be postponed to a later date.

The 6km, four-lane Hobsonville motorway is the last section of the new SH18 to be completed, connecting to the Upper Harbour Bridge and Greenhithe sections at the eastern end and the Northwestern Motorway [SH16] to the west. The project also includes a 3km extension of SH16 to a new roundabout at Brigham Creek Rd.

The transport agency's $220m project will help reduce congestion on Hobsonville Rd and open up access to developing areas in Massey and Kumeu. The project will also help reduce travel times for motorists by providing a better connection between Waitakere and North Shore cities and Rodney District.

It's scheduled to be completed in 2012.

For more information on the SH18 Hobsonville Deviation and SH16 Brigham Creek Extension project, phone 0800 520 202
or see www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/upperharbourmotorway