New Southbound On-Ramp at Papakura Interchange Opens May 7

A new, second, open southbound on-ramp at the Papakura Interchange in South Auckland will open to traffic on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 5am. The on-ramp is part of the ongoing SH1 Papakura to Drury project and has been under construction for the past 15 months. Its opening will bring significant changes for motorists in the area.

Why this matters: The SH1 Papakura to Drury project's improvements to infrastructure will have a lasting impact on the region's growth and development, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and commuters. By increasing road capacity and providing better access to public transport, walking, and cycling facilities, this project will contribute to a more sustainable and connected community.

With the opening of the new on-ramp, those traveling west on Beach Road from the Papakura side will no longer be able to turn right onto the existing southbound loop on-ramp. Instead, they will need to use the newly constructed on-ramp, which allows for a left turn off Beach Road onto SH1 to head south. The existing southbound loop on-ramp will remain in use for southbound motorists approaching from the Karaka side.

The project also includes a new shared walking and cycling path on the south side of Beach Road between Chichester Drive and the motorway overbridge, set to open on Tuesday morning alongside the on-ramp. However, construction works will continue on Beach Road for several months after the on-ramp's opening, focusing on building new concrete median islands and laying new asphalt up to the Elliot Street Chichester Drive intersection.

The SH1 Papakura to Drury project aims to provide numerous improvements to the area's infrastructure. These include an additional lane in each direction, wide shoulders for future public transport services, interchange improvements at Papakura and Drury, future-proofing for additional rail lines, improved safety and access along Great South Road, 4km of shared walking and cycling pathways, improved local road connections and access, and enhanced safety features and environmental outcomes.

Stage 1A of the project is currently scheduled for completion in September 2024, with final resurfacing in asphalt expected in October 2024. Construction on Stage 1B1, which focuses on the area around the Drury interchange, is expected to begin later this year. The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has expressed appreciation to motorists for their patience and understanding while this important work is carried out, recognizing the potential for disruptions but emphasizing the long-term benefits the project will bring to the community.

The opening of the new southbound on-ramp at the Papakura Interchange marks a significant milestone in the SH1 Papakura to Drury project. As stated in the project overview, the completed project will provide"An additional lane in each direction and wide shoulders to future-proof for public transport services between Papakura and Drury. Residents and motorists in South Auckland can look forward to improved traffic flow, enhanced safety measures, and better access to public transport, walking, and cycling facilities, which will contribute to the region's growth and development during this project's progression.

Key Takeaways

• New southbound on-ramp at Papakura Interchange opens May 7, 2024.
• On-ramp will improve traffic flow and access to public transport.
• Existing southbound loop on-ramp remains open for Karaka side traffic.
• New shared walking and cycling path on Beach Road opens May 7, 2024.
• SH1 Papakura to Drury project aims to enhance safety and connectivity.