Auckland Regional Office July 16, 2004 Media release

Motorway closures for installation of bridge beams

Transit New Zealand will be closing the northbound section of the motorway (SH1) between the Nelson Street off-ramp and the Wellington Street on-ramp on Monday 19, Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 July 2004, overnight from 8.00pm to 5.30am.

The closures are needed to install concrete beams for a new viaduct structure as part of the upgrading of the Central Motorway (Spaghetti) Junction. The upgrading involves the constructing of new links between the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and the Ports of Auckland and the Northern Motorway (SH1).

Transit Regional Manager, Wayne McDonald, says the motorway may also have to be closed on Thursday 22 July 2004, if the work has not been completed. “Motorists should expect delays during the closures and, where possible, use alternative routes,” he says.

Motorists using the motorway to cross the Harbour Bridge will be diverted off the motorway at the Nelson Street off-ramp and then re-directed back onto the motorway via Union Street and the Wellington Street on-ramp.

Two 200 tonne cranes will be set up, once traffic has been diverted, to deliver and install the 30 metre long, 49 tonne beams.

“We apologise to motorists in advance for any inconvenience these motorway closures may cause them,” says Mr McDonald. “However, the Central Motorway Junction is at the very heart of the major projects presently underway to upgrade Auckland’s motorway system and the delivery and installation of these beams is an important part of this process.”

The junction is being upgraded in two parts and the beams are being installed within Stage 2, which covers the area between Wellington Street and Symonds Street on SH1 and Bond Street on SH16. For further information Transit welcomes you to visit their CMJ Stage 2 information centre.

CMJ Stage 2 Info centre:

13-19 Howe Street (Ponsonby side of the city) Open Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 5.30pm Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm Friday Saturday 10.00am to 12.00pm, First Sunday in the month 10.00am to 12.00pm Free parking for visitors is available at the Information Centre Please phone 0800 CMJ CORE (0800 265 2673) for more details Group visits can be organised by prior arrangement – free phone 0800 CMJ CORE (0800 265 2673) Visit www.transit.govt.nz/cmj Ends For further information contact: Transit New Zealand Regional Manager, Wayne McDonald tel (09) 368 2000. www.transit.govt.nz

ENDS

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