• Howick and Pakuranga Times

MOTORISTS are warned of considerable delays this Auckland Anniversary Weekend as the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) closes a section of the Southern Motorway.

The closure is to complete work before opening the new northbound Newmarket Viaduct.

The motorway’s northbound lanes will be closed between the Market Road off-ramp and Gillies Avenue on-ramps from 5pm this Saturday, for final preparations to allow drivers on to the new northbound viaduct from Monday morning. “Travel delays will be inevitable, they will be considerable and widespread,” says Steve Mutton, the NZTA acting state highways manager for Auckland.

“We’re talking about trying to redirect up to 65,000 vehicles on Sunday alone. Even with detours, the impact of the closure will be felt well beyond the Southern Motorway. If people must travel, we’re urging they allow a lot more time for their journey.

“We accept this may cause frustration, particularly on a long weekend. Our best advice is to stay away from the motorway during Auckland Anniversary Weekend,” says Mr Mutton.

The closure is necessary so the NZTA can switch the motorway’s northbound lanes across to the new viaduct. At the same time, the blue lifting gantry used for the viaduct’s construction has to be moved on to the existing northbound viaduct to help with its demolition.

“We’re taking advantage of a long three-day weekend to complete our work so we can deliver this important project to Aucklanders. We appreciate the support and patience of drivers and we’ll be working hard to finish as quickly as possible.”

The Automobile Association (AA) also urges people to avoid unnecessary trips.

“The closure of the northbound lanes will no doubt cause congestion and delays on the motorway and local roads,” says AA spokesman Simon Lambourne.

“But the short-term pain will be well worth it given the long-term benefits of the new viaduct.”

Southbound lanes on the Southern Motorway are not affected.