The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has awarded a new contract for the $220m Causeway Upgrade Project on State Highway 16, a development which marks a major step towards the completion of Auckland’s Western Ring Route.

The successful proposal for the contract was submitted by a consortium comprising Aecom, Coffey Geotechnics, Fulton Hogan, Leighton Contractors and Sinclair Knight Merz. These companies have been joined by the NZTA to form the Causeway Alliance.

The latest project is set to support growth in Auckland and to improve transport links between the city and the economic centres of Northland and Waikato / Bay of Plenty.

The NZTA Auckland and Northland state highways manager Tommy Parker said that there will significant benefits for drivers when the Causeway Upgrade Project and other works linked to the Western Ring Route are completed.

"The latest project is set to support growth in Auckland and to improve transport links between the city and the economic centres of Northland and Waikato / Bay of Plenty."

"For the first time, there will be direct motorway access between the CBD and Auckland International Airport, and the Western Ring Route will also connect commuters and freight with the rapidly growing areas in the north-west and south-west of the city," Parker said.

The Causeway Upgrade Project, together with the neighbouring Waterview Connection project and upgrades of the Lincoln Road and Te Atatu Road interchanges on State Highway 16, will complete a 47km-long motorway alternative to State Highway 1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Key features of the project include raising the causeway 1.5m to stop flooding during peak tides; widening the motorway to four lanes city bound and 4 or 5 lanes westbound, and extending and widening bus shoulder lanes.

It also involves the improvement of existing facilities for cyclists and walkers, and the provision of improved treatment of stormwater before it is discharged into the Waitemata Harbour. The project runs through the Motu Manawa – Pollen Island marine reserve.

Construction on the upgrade is scheduled to commence in the middle of 2013, and due to be completed in late 2016.