MEDIA RELEASE

4 April 2013

NZ Transport Agency – Auckland Regional Office

Changes at Papakura will affect travel advises NZTA

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will close the Papakura southbound on-ramp to Auckland’s Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) this Sunday night (7 April) for nine days for the next stage of work connected to the upgrade of the interchange.

The southbound on-ramp will re-open on Wednesday, 17 April, after it has been re-surfaced and other improvements are completed. A detour route will be clearly signposted along Beach Road and Great South Road to the SH1 Drury southbound on-ramp.

The NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker says the project team is working to minimise disruption for drivers using the Papakura Interchange.

“The full closure of the on-ramp will mean less disruption longer term. However, people should allow extra time for their journey and drive with care during the work,” he says.

Mr Parker says that there will be on-going night time closures to this section of the Southern Motorway throughout April while the new bridge next to the existing Hingaia Road motorway overbridge is constructed.

As well as building a new bridge and widening the road and motorway ramps, the project will provide improved facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“We’re making good progress and once completed, the upgrade will improve safety and access onto the motorway and support growth in Papakura and Karaka. We’d like to thank the community for their support and patience while we get on with completing these improvements to ensure the community continues to grow and thrive,” says Mr Parker.

The project is due for completion by the end of this year.

For queries relating to the construction of the project, contact the site team on the 24-hour project line - 0800 72 74 74.

The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads. Follow us on twitter @nzta_news.

ENDS

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