Transit Regional Office
Auckland

19 October 2005

Media Release

Motorists can expect traffic disruption while busway being built

Construction work on the Northern Busway is about to become even more intensive as a tunnel is constructed underneath Northcote Rd. The tunnel will enable buses to pass underneath Northcote Rd on a dedicated two-way busway running alongside SH1 from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Constellation Drive.

To enable Northcote Rd to stay open to motorists, Transit has created a new temporary on-ramp. Opening tomorrow (Thursday 20 October), the new on-ramp is located 100 metres to the east (towards Taharoto Rd) from the old ramp. The change is the first of a series planned for the next 18 months.

Moving the ramp allows construction work to continue on Northcote Rd, with motorists diverted around the work area. New traffic lights will control the intersection and the width of Northcote Road will be reduced. A 30km/h speed limit will be in place and large trucks are encouraged to continue to Taharoto Rd and access the southbound motorway via Barry’s Point Road.

The changes are likely to cause delays for motorists. The work is likely to impact on local and motorway traffic for the next 18 months. Northern Busway project director, Clive Fuhr recommends motorists use alternatives to Northcote Road wherever possible.

Clive Fuhr explains that Northcote Road is just one stage of the work on the busway. Construction will continue to progress around the Esmonde Road Interchange and in the near future work will commence at the intersection of Barry’s Point Road, Esmonde Road and Fred Thomas Drive.

Wairau Road overbridge will be widened to accommodate the busway. Shortly after, work will begin at Tristram Avenue where the busway will be built through the interchange.

“During this activity there will be ongoing changes to road layouts with temporary lane changes and traffic signals being installed. Unfortunately, there is going to be quite a large amount to disruption to traffic throughout construction.” says Mr Fuhr, ‘but the result will be a modern and efficient public transport system and New Zealand’s first dedicated busway.

Transit will notify motorists and public transport commuters of changes to routes and suggested detours via radio and newspaper advertising, flyers, media releases, traffic bulletins, billboards, electronic messaging signs on the motorway and the internet, in particular via www.busway.co.nz and www.trafficnz.info

Transit New Zealand thanks all motorists in advance for their cooperation.

ENDS

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