From the opening of the new motorway extension from Orewa to Puhoi (Alpurt B2) this Sunday there has been a change of status for the present expressway between the Silverdale off ramp and Grand drive. And it affects cyclists.
Up to now cyclists could use that stretch of road despite many of us thinking it was part of the Northern Motorway. In fact, it wasn't - it was an expressway, which is why cyclists could use it. When Alpurt opens that's going to change.
The expressway becomes part of the motorway and cyclists and pedestrians won't be able to use it. Nor will vehicles be allowed to stop along it, except in an emergency.
The NZ Transport agency thought you would like to know that, and so do we.
RDC Staffer Sonya McKinney has cycled all over Europe but from Sunday the Northern Expressway will be a no go.