Auckland Regional Office
26 June 2006
MEDIA RELEASE

Changes on the Southern Motorway as East Tamaki Connection steams ahead

As part of Transit New Zealand’s East Tamaki Connection project, changes will be taking place this week on the Southern Motorway (SH1) near Otahuhu.

A new northbound off-ramp will open at Princes St on Thursday 29 June as the first stage of what will become a major interchange, with on- and off-ramps running both north and southbound. The new off-ramp will give easier access to the Otahuhu area and greater connectivity for motorway users.

The new Princes St off-ramp will replace the existing Water St off-ramp, which will shut permanently on the night of Thursday 29 June.

Motorway widening in the area will mean that Trenwith St will close to vehicle and pedestrian through traffic also on Thursday 29 June until early 2007. This is to protect motorists and pedestrians while work is carried out. Resident access will be maintained. Motorists and pedestrians wishing to cross the motorway should use Princes St bridge instead.

Widening the Trenwith St bridge will give the motorway an extra lane north and southbound leading to and from a new interchange being built at Highbrook.

Part of the East Tamaki Connection project, the interchange is being created to provide a key motorway link to the new Highbrook Business Park under construction on the Waiouru Peninsula. This will provide significant employment opportunities for the people of Otahuhu. Around 12,000 jobs will be created by this new centre, with many of the employees travelling from outside the area expected to use the new link on a daily basis.

The opening of Princes St off-ramp and the closures of Water St off-ramp and Trenwith St are scheduled to take place on Thursday 29 June, but may be postponed in the event of poor weather.

Motorists should observe electronic message signs and listen for traffic reports for updates.

Transit thanks you in advance for your co-operation.

For more information phone (09) 368 2000 or visit www.transit.govt.nz

ENDS

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