New Zealand (NZ) Transport Agency has signed a contract with two construction and two design companies to build the Northern Corridor Improvements (NCI) Project.

The NCI Project alliance comprises NZ Transport Agency, Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, Opus and Jacobs.

The alliance will be responsible for finalising the project’s design, with construction set to start next year.

The project involves constructing a new motorway connection between Northern Motorway (SH1) and Upper Harbour Highway (SH18) to complete the Western Ring Route.

It will also include the construction of new motorway lanes on SH1, building an extension of the Northern Busway, as well as developing around 7km of new pedestrian and cycling paths.

“The project is an important link in helping to realise the full benefits of the Western Ring Route by giving people an alternative route to State Highway 1.”

NZ Transport Agency Project Delivery senior manager Chris Hunt said: “The project is an important link in helping to realise the full benefits of the Western Ring Route by giving people an alternative route to State Highway 1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

“It will also create better travel choices for walkers, cyclists and users of public transport.”

The NCI Project Alliance plans to set up a main site office on the North Shore. Recruitment of 150 staff for the construction has started.

Initially, the project will see road resurfacing works and the installation of moveable barriers.

Construction sites and fencing will be put in place, narrowing lanes so that the works can be carried out.

The project is planned to be completed in phased stages over the next three years.