Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Sunday 21 March 2010

Watermelon accident on SH1, a wake-up call for motorists

An early morning accident which saw a truck roll and two tonnes of watermelons spill over SH1, south of the Newmarket Viaduct, was unrelated to the massive Newmarket Replacement Project currently in full swing. However the accident is a timely reminder for motorists to be vigilant in and around what is an active and massive construction zone, says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

“I understand the accident happened in the northbound lanes, south of the Newmarket Viaduct around Market Road and close to the old Remuera Railway Station. NZTA told me it was unrelated to the viaduct replacement project. Nonetheless it serves as a wake up call for drivers to exercise extreme caution on and around the Newmarket Viaduct over the next two years.

“I don’t know how fast this truck was going, but this accident is a wake for everyone to slow down when entering and exiting the viaduct no matter what time of day or night it is.”

Mr Brewer said northbound traffic is permitted to travel up to 80kmph. While the speed limit for southbound traffic over the Newmarket Viaduct is 70kmph.

“Despite this being nearly a quarter of a billion dollar project, and all the construction involved, NZTA tells me there have been no major incidents or accidents so far. Construction disruption to the motorist has also been minimal. The project is going incredibly well when you consider 160,000 cars use the viaduct every day. What’s more it’s the single biggest roading project in central Auckland since the Harbour Bridge was built in the 1950s. It’s so far been a role model project. Long may its safety record last!”

The southbound structure is set to be operatable from October, with the entire new structure in full use by the end of 2012.

“The giant blue gantry is on the move again this week, heading from Gillies Avenue back over to Broadway. Dozens of men and the massive movable blue gantry are working very very close to motorway traffic and literally over the Newmarket community itself. Let’s not get complacent.

“We were relieved to learn that the watermelon accident was unrelated, but nonetheless we’re keen to remind people to keep the pedal off the metal,” says Cameron Brewer.  

Ends

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