Transmission Gully Motorway, road in New Zealand
The Transmission Gully Motorway is a four-lane highway running about 27 kilometers from Linden to Mackays Crossing through rolling hills and farmland. It includes 27 structures and bridges, with the Cannons Creek Bridge reaching approximately 230 meters (755 feet) long and spanning 60 meters (197 feet) above the valley floor.
Plans to connect through Transmission Gully date back to 1919, but construction did not begin until 2014. Legal proceedings and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the opening from the original 2020 target to March 2022, when the motorway finally welcomed traffic.
The name 'Transmission Gully' comes from a 1924 power line that once ran through the area connecting Wellington to hydroelectric stations. Today the official Māori name 'Te Ara Nui o Te Rangihaeata' honors the region's heritage and its people.
Five main interchanges at Mackays Crossing, SH58, eastern Porirua, Kenepuru, and Linden make it easy to connect to other routes. Check travel conditions before heading out, especially during busy times or storms, as this road is an important route with heavy use.
From the motorway you can spot artworks on a private property including sculptures, a large bench, and a rainbow-colored bridge. These unexpected artistic touches in the rural landscape offer a surprising sight for drivers passing through.
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