21 December 2000

Transit New Zealand would like to remind Auckland motorists about likely delays to motorway traffic on the Auckland Harbour Bridge (AHB) and St Mary's Bay from Boxing Day until mid February

Two major projects are being undertaken during this time - the final stage of the resealing of the AHB, and major work on the Shelly Beach Road off ramp.

Lanes 1 and 2 southbound (the city-side clip-on lanes) and the Shelly Beach Road off ramp will be closed from 26 December to Monday 8 January 2001. The off ramp will then remain closed until 14 February 2001. Westhaven Drive from the roundabout to Shelly Beach Road will be closed for the same period. Lane 1 of the southbound clip on may also be closed (still to be advised).

The closure of the Shelly Beach off ramp will have a major impact on traffic, particularly as people return to work in January. An additional 12,000 vehicles per day will feed into the Fanshawe Street off ramp. During both morning and evening peaks, this is likely to cause major traffic hold-ups at the Fanshawe St/Beaumont St intersection.

Drivers are advised to take alternative routes where possible. Options include the Northwestern motorway, off peak travel and public transport such as buses and ferries

Transit will be reminding drivers of the closures with advertising and community notices, as well as signage on the motorways and near the bridge. There will also be a free call number kept updated (0800 RESEAL). This will continue until the Shelly Beach off ramp is reopened.

ends

For further information, please contact Wayne McDonald, Transit New Zealand Tel 357 1785/021 786 753

© Scoop Media