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Motorists who battled congestion to get through Warkworth’s Hill Street intersection over Labour Weekend may have some relief in sight.
Auckland Transport (AT) is currently installing closed circuit television cameras and traffic detectors to improve traffic flows.
It’s expected all the new equipment will be in place by the end of November.
The vehicle detectors are mounted on poles and monitor whether traffic is stopped. They then relay this information to the signal controller computer at the intersection.
Meanwhile, the cameras will provide visual images to AT staff stationed at Auckland Transport’s Operation Centre at Smales Farm in Takapuna.
AT spokesperson Mark Hannan says the detectors and cameras will optimise traffic signal operation for Matakana and Sandspit Road motorists.
The CCTV cameras will monitor the Matakana Road/Sandspit Road intersection and the Sandspit Road/Elizabeth Street intersection.
“We expect some relief from weekend congestion,” Mr Hannan says.
Meanwhile, AT has completed plans to better facilitate pedestrian crossing at the intersection. These are currently awaiting approval from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
The Hill Street intersection has long been a thorn in the side of Warkworth residents.
During holiday weekends, traffic can back up for up to 15km along State Highway 1 and delay traffic for hours.
AT and NZTA are currently investigating a redesign of the intersection to improve traffic flows in the long term.
