MEDIA RELEASE

6 December 2018

Lane changes on Southern Motorway to allow new bridge construction

The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists that it’s changing the lane layout over the Pahurehure Inlet on the Southern Motorway (SH1), between Takinini and Papakura.

Transport Agency Senior Manager Project Delivery, Chris Hunt says the lane changes will start on Monday, 10 December and be rolled out in stages over three nights. All four lanes will be moved to the western side of the motorway, with the two northbound lanes moved first. The southbound lanes will be moved on Wednesday night.

Once the lanes switch is completed there will be two lanes of traffic in both directions, as there are now.

“The old Pahurehure Bridge is being replaced in stages and this lane switch is a significant step. We are moving traffic on to a new section of bridge so we can demolish and replace the old southbound structure.”

“The Southern Motorway is one of the busiest in Auckland and it’s vital that we keep traffic flowing freely and safely in the narrow corridor around the construction site,” says Mr Hunt.

Drivers are encouraged to drive with caution through the new lanes, keep to the 80km/h speed limit, avoid sudden lane changes and take extra care to ensure the safety of workers and motorists.

As part of the Southern Corridor Improvements project, the Transport Agency is replacing the old 4 lane bridge over the Pahurehure Stream with a new bridge structure that will carry three lanes of traffic in both directions, plus a shared walking and cycling path.

The new lane layout will be in place for about nine months, before changing to its final configuration in mid-late 2019.

The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and understanding as this essential work is carried out.

The Southern Corridor Improvements project will be opening in stages throughout 2019 and will be fully complete in late 2019 to help ease congestion and improve traffic flow on this busy motorway.

Caption: The new Pahurehure Stream bridge on SH1 is being constructed in three stages, with this month’s lane switch signalling the start of stage 2.

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