Transit New Zealand
Wellington Regional Office

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR RELEASE - 5 DECEMBER 2006

Abel Smith Street - permanent intersection closure

Transit New Zealand today advised that there will be no vehicle access into Abel Smith Street from Willis Street effective from 10am Monday 11 December 2006.

This section of Abel Smith Street, between Willis and Victoria Streets is being permanently closed at the Willis Street end in preparation for the opening of the new northbound route of the Inner City Bypass later this month.

"Works to convert Abel Smith Street into the planned cul-de-sac, with access from Victoria Street, as part of the Bypass works, will commence on Monday morning," said Transit NZ Project Manager Jonnette Adams.

"This section of Abel Smith Street will be open to pedestrians and cyclists, however, vehicles will need to use Ghuznee Street to get to Victoria Street and beyond," she said. "This is a short term inconvenience for motorists between Monday and the end of January, when we will be able to permanently reverse the direction of Vivian Street between Willis and Victoria Streets."

Abel Smith Street is being closed at Willis Street to reduce the number of streets intersecting at this point on Willis Street. The closure will assist in traffic flows along both Willis Street and the new Bypass.

Works on Abel Smith Street include a pocket park, incorporating a raised brick-paved area with bench seats, lights and plant boxes including the planting of four mature Kunnzea ericodes (Kanuka) trees and nearly 100 Muehlenbeckia axilaris (maidenhair vine) as ground cover.

ENDS

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