Transit Regional Office
Auckland

20 February 2003

MEDIA RELEASE

Transit removes flagpoles from Auckland Harbour Bridge

Following the breaking of the western flagpole on the Auckland Harbour Bridge in extraordinary windy conditions this morning, the decision was made, for safety reasons, to remove both flagpoles. The flagpole broke at about 10 am.

Removing the broken pole required a northbound lane on the bridge to be closed. The lane is now open again. The eastern flagpole will be secured and removed tonight to lessen disruption to traffic.

The cause of the break will be determined before any further action is taken on re-erecting the poles says Transit regional manager, Wayne McDonald.

'There is no doubt that the extraordinary weather we are currently experiencing has resulted in this situation,” he says. "The safety of motorists is paramount, so if necessary we will have to look at a further strengthening of the flagpoles before they are re-erected," he says.

ENDS

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