29 June 2005

Major Changes to Northwestern Motorway Eastbound Lanes

Transit New Zealand would like to advise eastbound motorists on the Northwestern Motorway, excluding Newton Road off-ramp traffic, that they need to be in a different lane when the new Nelson Street off-ramp opens on Monday morning 4 July 2005.

The lanes affected are:

. Nelson Street off-ramp - will now exit from the left instead of from the right

. Southern Motorway (SH1) and Port links - use the lanes on the right hand side

"The new lane configurations will improve safety and bring lane exits more in line with the 'keep left' motto," says Transit Regional Manager, Richard Hancy. "All motorists will need to read the overhead signs to check their destination. There will also be advanced warning signs to aid motorists with the new lane configurations. "

Northbound traffic, currently using the Nelson Street off-ramp and Wellington Street on-ramp, will also use this ramp until the end of 2006, when the new Northwestern to Northern direct motorway-to-motorway connection will open.

The existing Northwestern to Nelson Street off-ramp will be closed to traffic. The Hobson Street on-ramp will be realigned and a new pier for the Port to Northern viaduct will be sited in the carriageway of the existing Hobson St on-ramp.

Motorists are advised to take care through the area, and be wary of changes to road markings. There may be delays while motorists adjust to the new lane layouts. This work is weather dependent and may move to Monday 18 July in the event of inclement weather.

Transit New Zealand apologises to motorists in advance for any inconvenience these motorway closures may cause and asks motorists to drive with caution, and use alternative routes where possible. The Central Motorway Junction is at the very heart of the major projects to upgrade Auckland's motorway system.

Stage 2 of CMJ covers the area between Wellington St and Symonds St on SH1 and Bond St on SH16.

For further information Transit invites you to visit the CMJ Stage 2 information centre.

CMJ Stage 2 Info centre:

. 13-19 Howe Street (Ponsonby side of the city)
. Open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm
. Saturday 10.00am to 12.00pm
. First Sunday in the month 10.00am to 12.00pm, excluding holiday weekends
. Free parking for visitors is available at the Information Centre
. Please phone 0800 CMJ CORE (0800 265 2673) for more details
. Group visits can be organised by prior arrangement - free phone 0800 CMJ CORE (0800 265 2673)
. Visit www.transit.govt.nz/cmj

ENDS

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