Work to improve one of the busiest intersections south of Auckland will get underway this Sunday.
The efficiency and safety on the southbound off-ramp at Bombay Interchange has been a concern for motorists for years.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi would begin a four- to five- month project, beginning on the evening of May 18.
It would be stage two of the works that were completed in March.
NZTA regional manager transport services Stephen Collett said most construction would take place overnight between 9pm and 5am.
“Planned improvements include extending the overall length of the existing off-ramp by approximately 100m at the northern end, where it leaves the motorway, and extending the length of the left turn lane on the ramp approximately 100m by cutting into the side embankment,” he said.
This would help provide capacity for future growth and reduce instances where the tail of the queue extended back onto the motorway, Collett said.
Regular closures of the southbound off-ramp would also be required, to ensure the safety of road users and road workers during construction.
“When the off-ramp is closed, motorists will be detoured via Nikau Rd Interchange to the south and back.
“They will also have the option to exit State Highway 1 earlier at Ramarama Interchange, with electronic messaging in place to advise.”
Stage one of the project was completed in March after five months of work, which included widening parts of the road, construction of new traffic islands and relocation of underground utility infrastructure.
Former resident Bruce Owen, a member of the Bombay Collision Cross Roads Action Group welcomed the improvements to the intersection.
“The decision to lengthen the exit from the expressway will make it safer at busy times,” Owen said.
“We are aware that the installation of traffic lights was not welcomed by some, especially at busy times.
“However, it has made the junction so much safer.”
Owen said the exit lane widening and traffic lights would be essential when the Bombay Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre opened around the corner on Great South Rd.
He said their next campaign would be to seek the upgrade of the roundabout at the junction of Great South Rd and Mill Rd.
“[It’s] currently not fit for purpose, and will only get worse when the Commercial Vehicle Centre is operation.
“It probably goes without saying that we will all welcome the future upgrade of Bombay junction when the express way three lanes extends from Drury.”
NZTA said night time service providers at Bombay Interchange — Z and BP service stations, KFC and McDonald’s restaurants — would remain open during their normal trading hours for the duration of the upgrade works.
Local Democracy Reporting is local-body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
