MEDIA RELEASE

6 January 2013

NZ Transport Agency – Auckland Regional Office

N
Auckland Harbour Bridge lanes re-opening

The NZ Transport Agency says the two lanes on the northbound box girder (clip-on) of the Auckland Harbour Bridge will re-open just after midnight following the successful completion of maintenance work. The Curran Street on-ramp, which feeds north-bound traffic onto the clip-on, and the Stafford Street off-ramp on the North Shore will also be re-opening.

The NZTA's acting State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton, says contractors took advantage of the general slowdown in activity across the Auckland region during Christmas and New year to re-surface 1400 square metres of the two lanes, and complete other maintenance work.

“We really appreciate the support and patience we have had from drivers during the closure," Mr Mutton says. "The bridge is Auckland’s most critical transport link and the re-surfacing work is part of the on-going maintenance work we undertake every day of the year to ensure it remains in a first class and safe condition for the tens of thousands of Aucklanders who rely on it every day."

The two lanes have been closed since Boxing Day.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>