Transit Regional Office
Auckland
19 October 2005
Media Release
Motorists can expect traffic disruption while busway being built
Construction work on the Northern Busway is about to become even more intensive as a tunnel is constructed underneath
Northcote Rd. The tunnel will enable buses to pass underneath Northcote Rd on a dedicated two-way busway running
alongside SH1 from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Constellation Drive.
To enable Northcote Rd to stay open to motorists, Transit has created a new temporary on-ramp. Opening tomorrow
(Thursday 20 October), the new on-ramp is located 100 metres to the east (towards Taharoto Rd) from the old ramp. The
change is the first of a series planned for the next 18 months.
Moving the ramp allows construction work to continue on Northcote Rd, with motorists diverted around the work area. New
traffic lights will control the intersection and the width of Northcote Road will be reduced. A 30km/h speed limit will
be in place and large trucks are encouraged to continue to Taharoto Rd and access the southbound motorway via Barry’s
Point Road.
The changes are likely to cause delays for motorists. The work is likely to impact on local and motorway traffic for the
next 18 months. Northern Busway project director, Clive Fuhr recommends motorists use alternatives to Northcote Road
wherever possible.
Clive Fuhr explains that Northcote Road is just one stage of the work on the busway. Construction will continue to
progress around the Esmonde Road Interchange and in the near future work will commence at the intersection of Barry’s
Point Road, Esmonde Road and Fred Thomas Drive.
Wairau Road overbridge will be widened to accommodate the busway. Shortly after, work will begin at Tristram Avenue
where the busway will be built through the interchange.
“During this activity there will be ongoing changes to road layouts with temporary lane changes and traffic signals
being installed. Unfortunately, there is going to be quite a large amount to disruption to traffic throughout
construction.” says Mr Fuhr, ‘but the result will be a modern and efficient public transport system and New Zealand’s
first dedicated busway.
Transit will notify motorists and public transport commuters of changes to routes and suggested detours via radio and
newspaper advertising, flyers, media releases, traffic bulletins, billboards, electronic messaging signs on the motorway
and the internet, in particular via www.busway.co.nz and www.trafficnz.info
Transit New Zealand thanks all motorists in advance for their cooperation.
ENDS