Allow extra time for airport journeys and use newly opened interchange at Kirkbride Rd

The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging motorists heading to the airport this afternoon to allow extra time for their journeys.

Changes to several intersections along the South Western motorway (State Highway 20A) overnight caused delays around the airport this morning as people get used to new routes and layouts.

Those travelling to the airport this afternoon and again tomorrow are encouraged to plan ahead, and allow up to 30 minutes extra.

Traffic is encouraged to use the newly upgraded Kirkbride Interchange rather than Montgomerie Road or Landing Drive.

“Motorists should be aware that they need to be in the left hand lane to exit the motorway and then turn right onto Kirkbride Rd. People should use it the way they would a motorway interchange. If you stay in the right hand lanes they will take you through the underpass,” says the NZ Transport Agency’s Senior Manager Project Delivery, Chris Hunt.

“The right hand turn to Montgomerie Road from State Highway 20A is now permanently closed, meaning all traffic heading to this area should use the newly opened Kirkbride Road off-ramp prior to the new Kirkbride underpass.”

The upgraded intersection of State Highway 20A and Kirkbride Road now takes motorway traffic under Kirkbride Road via the underpass, separating highway and local traffic.

The NZ Transport Agency is continuing to work with its partners Auckland Transport and Auckland Airport on a range of short, medium and long term measures to improve reliability and reduce congestion in the areas immediately surrounding the airport.

Further improvements to SH20B are also being planned to improve capacity along the south eastern access to the airport.

For more information about the project and the work the NZ Transport Agency and its partners are doing to improve journeys to the airport visit our website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh20a-to-airport/airport-journeys/

ENDS

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