Auckland Regional Office

July 1st 2004

Media Release

'Enclosed Lane' Fast Tracks Viaduct Improvements

Motorists using the Southern Motorway (SH1) northbound between Gillies Avenue on-ramp and Grafton overbridge will notice major changes next week when an 'enclosed lane' appears in the fast lane.

The new layout will see the fast lane (right hand) lane separated from the three other northbound lanes with concrete barriers to create an enclosed lane. The enclosed lane will prevent lane changes. Road users will remember a similar layout on the Southern Motorway last August.

Lanes one to three will be 'shuffled over' east towards the centre median, to create space for improvements to the Khyber Pass Viaduct. The new layout will remain in place until October 2004.

The enclosed lane will only allow access to the Nelson St off-ramp and the North Shore. Gillies Ave on-ramp traffic should not use the enclosed lane.

Once motorists have entered the enclosed lane:
. lane changes will not be possible between Mountain Road and Grafton Road Overbridges
. access to Symonds Street, Wellesley Street, Port and Waitakere off-ramps will not be possible.

Motorists are recommended to use the Symonds Street or Wellesley Street exits for city access.

The lane changes are needed to complete Khyber Pass Viaduct improvement works safely and with minimum delays to drivers. Improvements include adding a new southbound lane to the viaduct and creating the option for an additional future lane.

Khyber Pass Viaduct improvement work is part of the CMJ Stage One project to improve the efficiency, safety and capacity of the central city motorway.

The CMJ Stage One project is expected to be complete in January 2005.

ENDS

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