Huntly Expressway open — with a catch
Today’s the day for the long-awaited Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway. The public now have access to 15km of four-laning which directs traffic away from a traditional congestion point through the town.
It links the Expressway sections at Ohinewai in the north and Nga¯ ruawa¯ hia in the south. But there’s a catch. You can enjoy the new road today only if you walk, run, cycle or take a bus.
Opening celebrations do not mean the road is open. NZTA says the date for the road to be cleared for traffic is “to be confirmed”, in order to prevent people queuing up to be among the first and create yet more congestion.
The site was blessed by iwi on Friday, followed by a formal event and lunch on the highway for officials and guests.
From 7am today the Expressway Classic half marathon kicks off, starting at Te Iringa Lagoon (about 4km from the southern end) and running out-and-back over the Taupiri Range to the northern interchange.
There are shorter races for runners and walkers from the same start point, at intervals through to 8.30am.
The race is capped at 10.30am when the area will open to the general public for walking, cycling and bus rides.
Shuttle bus routes will include visits to two pa¯ sites restored just off the road as part of the project’s Cultural Symbolism Plan.
The new section of the expressway has been designed for a 110km/h speed limit. However, when it does open to traffic it will initially be capped at 100km/h while the NZTA undertakes auditing and public consultation.