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The Puhoi to Warkworth motorway construction company NX2 is proposing a realignment of Wyllie Road in Warkworth to open in early 2020.
Under existing plans, the motorway route will cross over Wyllie Road via an overpass.
NX2 have put forward a new design that will eliminate the need for the overpass.
This will see the section of Wyllie Road, on the eastern side of the planned motorway, turned into a cul-de-sac, stopping traffic reaching the motorway.
The remaining part of Wyllie Road, on the western side of the planned motorway, will be extended to run parallel to the motorway and connect with Woodcocks Road via a T- intersection.
The extension of Wyllie Road will be within the motorway project area so no extra land will be required.
The new stretch would be sealed and increase the drive time for Wyllie Road residents into Warkworth by less than one minute, assuming a speed of 60km.
NX2 has highlighted that the design will allow the motorway to be lowered up to five metres by taking away the overpass, making it fit better with the surrounding landscape.
But neighbouring resident and engineer Dave Stott has concerns about visibility for people leaving the Wyllie Road extension.
“You’ve got an underpass and two uncontrolled intersections immediately afterwards, so that could be a problem,” Dave says.
He says traffic management during the construction period is also a potential issue while the T-intersection is being constructed, particularly if SH1 is closed making Woodcocks Road the main route.
NX2 chief executive Ray Wilson says that the Wyllie Road intersection design meets all important visibility requirements.
He says a traffic management plan is still being developed and will be discussed with the New Zealand Transport Agency and Auckland Transport.
