NX2 Group says the Ara-Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway, a remarkable project that commenced over six years ago, is set to open before the end of June.

This highly anticipated infrastructure development, which had its sod-turning ceremony on 3 November 2016, has overcome numerous challenges along the way.

The motorway stands as a testament to its magnificence, resilience, and commitment to safety.

The community and travellers alike eagerly await the benefits that this new road will bring.

As the opening approaches, several essential details regarding post-opening construction works, motorway operation, and a change in project leadership have been shared.

After the motorway becomes accessible to traffic, ongoing work will continue for several months to ensure the project's full completion.

These activities encompass various tasks such as Pūhoi on and off-ramp improvements, slip repairs, seasonal planting and landscaping, and the final clean-up of work areas.

The removal of machinery and equipment, as well as the restoration of land no longer required for motorway operations, will be carried out to restore it to its original condition.

Fortunately, these remaining works will be mostly isolated from the main motorway, causing minimal or no disruption to road users.

Among the significant upcoming tasks, the closure of the Pūhoi on and off-ramps stands out.

These closures are necessary to finalize the construction of the ramps, which were initially opened in 2021 for temporary use, allowing the team to construct the new motorway and connect it to the existing Johnstones Hill Tunnels.

The Pūhoi southbound on-ramp will close immediately after the new road opens, operating 24/7 for approximately four weeks.

During this construction period, Pūhoi residents, residents south of Moir Hill Road, and southbound traffic from the 'old SH1' will be unable to access the southbound on-ramp.

Motorists travelling south from Pūhoi will be detoured via the Hibiscus Coast Highway, ensuring continued access while the construction work progresses.

Additionally, the Pūhoi northbound off-ramp will experience night closures, from 9 pm to 5 am daily, for approximately two weeks following the motorway's opening.

During this period, Pūhoi residents and the travelling public will need to take the free route via the Hibiscus Coast Highway and exit SH1 from Grand Drive, Orewa.

Given the weather dependency of certain ramp works, they cannot be performed during rainfall or when the ground temperature is too cold for asphalt laying.

With the arrival of the winter months, there might be nights when work cannot proceed.

The project team has allowed for some contingency, but in case of significant rain or cold weather, the work will be rescheduled to the next suitable night.

Regular updates on closures can be found on the NZTA Journey Planner at https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/.

Acknowledging the inconvenience these closures may cause, the project team expresses its gratitude to the community for their patience and understanding.

The closure of these ramps represents the final major step needed to provide access to the new motorway and ensure smoother journeys to and from Pūhoi.

Furthermore, this announcement marks the departure of Robert Jones, the NX2 Project Director since April 2018.

Originally expected to remain for a couple of years, the unforeseen impact of COVID-19 necessitates a transition in project leadership.

Robert Jones passes the baton to Mike Elliot, who will assume the role of Project Director to oversee the project's final stages.

The team extends their best wishes to Mike as he takes on this responsibility.