The expressway exists on Google Maps (go to Map Maker, change to satellite view and click "edit" -> "select a line" on the expressway OR go to Maps, change to Earth view and click "Send feedback" -> "Edit the map" and click on the expressway).

As for when the expressway will show up that depends on when Google will moderate the pending edit.

I was wondering if Google would of noticed all the GPS data coming from a big new road that didn't exist on their map

Aaaand it's live. No Kapiti/Te Moana Rd interchanges yet.

Changes were made by Google 17-19 hours ago.

Incidentally, what's the traffic like on the old section of SH1 now?

DarthKermit:

 

Incidentally, what's the traffic like on the old section of SH1 now?

 

Virtually non-existent. Waikanae is like a ghost town and even the old SH1 through Paraparaumu is completely empty.

Feel sorry for anyone with a business fronting that road. I know that Taupo found the same when SH1 no longer went thru the town.

martyyn:

 

DarthKermit:

 

Incidentally, what's the traffic like on the old section of SH1 now?

 

 

Virtually non-existent. Waikanae is like a ghost town and even the old SH1 through Paraparaumu is completely empty.

 

How long do you give "Fast-Food alley" before shops close?

Doesn't appear to be any traffic data/colours on it

DjShadow:

 

martyyn:

 

DarthKermit:

 

Incidentally, what's the traffic like on the old section of SH1 now?

 

 

Virtually non-existent. Waikanae is like a ghost town and even the old SH1 through Paraparaumu is completely empty.

 

 

How long do you give "Fast-Food alley" before shops close?

 

BK has already gone

ethanbmnz:

 

Aaaand it's live. No Kapiti/Te Moana Rd interchanges yet.

 

Changes were made by Google 17-19 hours ago.

 

Interchanges now showing as well.

Once this expressway is finished, there'll be an alternative route to the old mostly two lane SH1 all the way from Linden to Levin.

Except for a section of road just south of Mackay's crossing where the Transmission Gully expressway merges with the old coastal route, north to the Poplar Avenue interchange where the Kapiti expressway branches away from the old SH1.

This means if there is an accident on the single merged part, all traffic could grind to a halt. This doesn't seem to be good planning to me. There is NO alternative road on the western side of the North island at this location.

DarthKermit:

 

Once this expressway is finished, there'll be an alternative route to the old mostly two lane SH1 all the way from Linden to Levin.

 

Except for a section of road just south of Mackay's crossing where the Transmission Gully expressway merges with the old coastal route, north to the Poplar Avenue interchange where the Kapiti expressway branches away from the old SH1.

 

This means if there is an accident on the single merged part, all traffic could grind to a halt. This doesn't seem to be good planning to me. There is NO alternative road on the western side of the North island at this location.

 

There is an alternative. Its called emerald glen road. I have used it a few times when traffic has been backed up on the currrent SH1, you can exit at Mackays, and join old SH1 again at the paraparaumu train station.

I've had a look at Emerald Glen road on Google maps. Yes, it could be used as an alternative (except that it says Waterfall Road isn't suitable for long vehicles).

If there was a bad accident in the short piece of road where Transmission Gully merges with the old SH1 and Emerald Glen road branches off, there still would be no alternative route. Murphy's law means there will probably be an accident there at some point.

I'm not sure the map is quite correct where it rejoins the original road at Peka Peka is it?  That's an obscure (apparent) right-then-left turn which I don't think actually exists

DarthKermit:

 

Feel sorry for anyone with a business fronting that road. I know that Taupo found the same when SH1 no longer went thru the town.

 

The Caltex on the north side of Paraparaumu by the Boat shop, that's been there forever, has shut.