Water St / Walton St / Maunu Rd / Central Ave intersection upgrade

  • Project typeTransport
  • Project value$2.3 million
  • Project scheduleLate 2026 to June 2027
  • Contractor nameTo be confirmed
Map showing works planned for the intersection of Water St, Walton St, Maunu Rd and Central Ave.

We’re upgrading the intersection of Water Street, Walton Street, Maunu Road and Central Avenue to improve the performance and reliability of the traffic signals and ultimately reduce wait time for road users. 

The work will create new turning lanes on Walton Street and Central Avenue, and upgrade the traffic signals.

Removing one signal phase and introducing modern software that adjusts timing to queue lengths will reduce wait times.

The additional lanes will require changes to existing footpaths, service lids, and kerbs and channels, as well as new pavement and pedestrian islands.

To accommodate these changes, underground utility services will require relocation or modification, and above-ground utilities, such as power, fibre and lighting, will also be relocated or modified.

The existing stormwater network will be upgraded where required.

What we're doing

The intersection upgrade includes:

  • A new turning lane on Walton Street, near Turners Cars. This will involve changes to the footpath, kerb and channel, above-ground and underground services, and road widening.
  • A new left-turn slip lane from Central Avenue into Water Street, near Palmers Garden Centre. This will require the use of a small section of the Palmers carpark and changes to the footpath, kerb and channel, underground services, pavement and pedestrian refuge island.
  • Widening the Water Street and Walton Street corner, near NAPA Auto Parts, to accommodate the additional Walton Street lane and improve turning movements for heavy vehicles.
  • New traffic signals, controllers, software and traffic cameras to modernise the system and support future needs.
  • Upgrades to the existing stormwater network where required.

Timing

The project timeline runs from late 2026 to June 2027.

Late November 2026 to early February 2027 – Enabling works

Northpower will relocate power poles over a weekend to prepare for the road widening. Outage dates will be advertised well in advance.

Late February to June 2027 – Physical works

Construction is expected to take 10 weeks within this period. Exact dates will be advertised well in advance.

Work is planned at night, with the intersection closed to all traffic. This will shorten the construction period, improve safety for road users and construction personnel, and minimise disruption for daytime commuters.

What to expect during construction

During construction, road users and nearby residents can expect:

  • temporary traffic management and reduced speeds 
  • intersection layout changes 
  • night works
  • road closures with detours
  • works in Palmers Garden Centre carpark
  • delays during the works – please use alternative routes if possible.

Properties and businesses directly affected by the works will be contacted in advance.

Location

Twin Coast Discovery Hwy & Water St, Whangārei 0110  View Map

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