Looking after Auckland Harbour Bridge over Xmas

Looking after Auckland Harbour Bridge over Christmas

As part of its comprehensive bridge maintenance schedule, the NZ Transport Agency is again carrying out annual resurfacing work on Auckland Harbour Bridge over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

From Saturday 26 December 2009 until Tuesday 5 January 2010, the two southbound clip-on lanes of the bridge will be closed. Shelly Beach Road off-ramp will also be closed. Three lanes will stay open in both directions throughout – going to and from the North Shore.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge is one of the busiest sections of motorway in Auckland, with the average vehicle crossing count in 2009 at 154,000 and sometimes reaching 200,000 vehicles crossing it everyday. The closures are required to resurface the southbound clip-on lanes. The resurfacing of the lanes will provide a uniform, smoother surface, which will improve both the safety and driving experience for motorists. The work is part of an ongoing bridge maintenance programme that takes place throughout the year, to look after the harbour bridge and ensure it can continue to be used long into the future.

NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland Tommy Parker says the work has been scheduled for the least busy time of the year, to minimise inconvenience to the travelling public and the neighbouring area.

“This year the bridge resealing coincides with work to strengthen the clip-ons. We’re expecting traffic to flow well in both directions and weather permitting, the bridge will be fully opened before most people return from their Christmas break,” he says.

Delays are possible and motorists are advised to consider using alternative forms of transport such as buses and ferries. Alternative routes are recommended on Upper Harbour Highway, the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and State Highway 18 (SH18).

A clearly signposted detour will be in place and motorists who usually use the Shelly Beach Road off-ramp will be directed to the Fanshawe Street off-ramp.

Wet weather or other unforeseen circumstances may postpone the work. Listen to the radio for updates or visit www.nzta.govt.nz/ahb

ENDS