Motorway to airport (SH20) to close overnight this weekend

The NZ Transport Agency is advising Auckland motorists to plan ahead and check for the latest travel information online before travelling this weekend with plans to close State Highway 20 for up to 12 hours.

In particular, those travelling to Auckland Airport to catch flights will need to allow more time for travel, says the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager Brett Gliddon.

From 8pm on Saturday 29 November to 8am on Sunday 30 November, SH20 will be closed to allow for the main span of a new pedestrian/cycle bridge to be lifted into place over the highway as part of the Onehunga foreshore restoration.

He says detours will be in place, with traffic diversions from 7pm. “We expect the highway to re-open to traffic at 8am on Sunday.”

The work was planned earlier this month but postponed because of high winds. “The work this weekend will only go ahead if weather conditions are suitable.”

Weighing more than 100 tonnes, 80 metres in length and six metres wide, the steel truss is a large structure. “The contractors are allowing up to 26 hours to move it from the local site compound, transport it down Orpheus Drive and then lift it overnight by crane onto the piers and abutment.

“To accommodate the move, in addition to the night-time closure of SH20, Orpheus Drive will be fully closed for up to 24 hours from 6.30am on Saturday.”

Mr Gliddon says the Transport Agency apologies for any inconvenience closed by the closures.

Motorists are advised to check for the latest highway information on www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.

ends

© Scoop Media