Harbour Bridge Lane Closures This Christmas

Transit New Zealand is issuing an early alert to Auckland motorists about likely delays on the Auckland Harbour Bridge during the coming holiday period.

To allow for resurfacing work to take place, lanes 1 and 2 northbound (the clip-on lanes) will be closed from 6am on Thursday 26 December 2002 until 3pm on Sunday 5 January 2003. The closures will include the Curran Street on-ramp and Stafford Road off-ramp.

During this time the median barrier will be positioned to allow three lanes in each direction at all times.

Transit New Zealand Regional Manager, Wayne McDonald says that although there may still be some delays, the work has been scheduled for the time of year when traffic on the bridge is at its quietest.

“This is the only time that reduced traffic volumes allow us to close the lanes for the entire period required,” says Mr McDonald. “Because of the nature of the work the two lanes need to be closed throughout. We are expecting some delays and ask that motorists be patient during this time.”

Additionally, the Louis Vuitton Cup repecharge series is scheduled for 27 and 28 December, which could add to traffic flows over the bridge. He suggests therefore that “where possible” motorists consider using alternative forms of transport such as ferries and buses. He also suggests using alternative routes such as the Northwestern Motorway and State Highway 18 through Upper Harbour, especially if travelling further north for the holiday period.

Advertising in the New Zealand Herald, local newspapers, the Sunday Star Times and local radio stations will continue throughout the closure period, and large signs have been placed at strategic locations near the Harbour Bridge as a reminder to motorists.

More information regarding the closures on the Harbour Bridge is also available by phoning 0800 RESEAL (0800 737 325).

Transit thanks motorists in advance for their co-operation and apologises for any inconvenience

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