Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

NZTA changes motorway skyline in Auckland after big lift


9 October 2012

NZ Transport Agency – Auckland Regional Office


NZTA changes motorway skyline in Auckland after big lift




The skyline on Auckland’s Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) has changed dramatically after a successful operation last night to lift the first section of a new footbridge into place south of the Newmarket Viaduct.

A 43 metre-long section of the Dilworth Footbridge, which weighs 83 tonnes, was hoisted 35 metres into the air by two cranes and lowered in to position across the motorway early this morning. The final section, spanning the adjacent railway line, will be installed in the next two weeks.

The NZTA’s acting State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton, thanked drivers for their support while the motorway had to be closed and traffic diverted during the lifting operation.

“This is the best way we can say thank you - the successful completion of the first part of an operation to deliver a new footbridge that will be safer for those people using the motorway below it, and for those using the footbridge to cross the motorway,” Mr Mutton says. “It is higher, reducing the risk of bridge strike from vehicles over the legal height limit, and unlike the existing footbridge, does not need to be supported by a pier located between the motorway lanes.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Mr Mutton says the sweeping arch on the footbridge will make a dramatic entry to central Auckland for those driving north.

“Its shape reflects the neighbouring Mts Hobson and Eden, with the valley of Newmarket in
between. The shape can also be for the community to interpret as they wish; it could be an ocean
wave, a tree bough or a sine wave”.

The arch on the second section over the railway line will be located underneath the walking and cycling deck.

Mr Mutton also thanked the alliance of contractors on the Newmarket Viaduct Replacement Project for the successful operation.

“Their skills and their efforts to keep any disruption on the Southern Motorway to a minimum reflects the innovation and commitment that is a feature of this project,” he says.

Mr Mutton says it is planned to have the new footbridge opened by the end of the month. The existing footbridge will then be removed.

This work is an important part of the completion of the Newmarket Viaduct Replacement Project undertaken by the NGA Newmarket Alliance of NZTA with its partners, Leighton Contractors, Fulton Hogan, VSL, URS, Beca, Boffa Miskell and Tonkin & Taylor. The four year project is due to be completed in December 2012.

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/newmarketconnection

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.