Traffic delays likely as city roadworks power into New Year

Work will begin in Fanshawe Street next week on a project to help meet the future electricity needs of the wider Auckland region.

National grid operator Transpower is installing two ductlines in separate trenches along Fanshawe Street so that high voltage power cables can be installed when required in the future.

The Fanshawe Street trenching work is scheduled for 27 December to 30 January during which time traffic will be reduced to two lanes in either direction. The installation work will occupy the lanes adjacent to the median.

The trenching work will continue seven days a week and 24 hours a day in non-residential stretches. Key work at road junctions will take place at weekends to minimise disruption.

The work is being carried out by Works Infrastructure Ltd which is responsible for controlling traffic flows to minimise delays, including the provision of warning signs.

"This project does present traffic management challenges for the city, hence the decision to start the work during the traditional holiday season," says Des Hughes, utilities relationship manager for Auckland City.

“For city-bound traffic leaving the Auckland Harbour Bridge, signage will be situated early enough to give drivers the option of staying on the motorway and exiting at Cook Street."

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