New Zealand Transport Agency projects team leader Simon Underwood said although motorists were driving on the newly opened roading on the highway uphill from Burnett St, the project was far from finished.
''Cars are running on a new section of carriageway but it's by no means complete.''
The temporary road markings on the new carriageway were only there to manage traffic, he said.
The roading and median island in the lower valley would be completed in the summer months but major roading work in Lookout Point had not started yet.
''There's a lot to be done on the foundation side before people see any above-ground improvements taking shape. Motorists might not notice too much difference for a long time.''
The project was forecast to be complete by December next year, Mr Underwood said.
