Construction start for projects to tackle region's gridlock

By STUART DYE

The busiest construction period in Auckland's history begins today as work starts on two of the region's most significant motorway projects.

When completed, stage 2 of Spaghetti Junction will provide all motorway-to-motorway connections with greater capacity and increased efficiency.

The Greenhithe section of the Upper Harbour Corridor (SH18) will provide a high-standard link between North Shore and Waitakere Cities.

It will also form part of the Western Ring Route, designed to reduce congestion and reliance on SH1 across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The central motorway project is the single largest roading construction contract awarded by Transit, with an overall projected cost of around $140 million.

The Upper Harbour Corridor is scheduled for completion mid-2007 and is worth $95m.