Drivers are being advised to take care on the Northern Gateway Toll Road next week when the NZ Transport Agency conducts its annual safety survey of the two tunnels at Johnstones Hill for three days from Tuesday, 15 February.
The northbound tunnel will be closed on Tuesday, and northbound traffic diverted to the southbound tunnel which will carry two-way traffic. On Wednesday, 16 February, the southbound tunnel will be closed and southbound traffic diverted to northbound tunnel which will also carry two-way traffic. Speed restrictions will be in place. There will be a full closure of the toll road for about 90 minutes from 10am on Thursday, 17 February, because of safety-related work in both tunnels.
“We regret any disruption to travel because of the full closure of the tunnels on Thursday, but we have chosen a time of day when traffic volumes are light to carry out this essential work,” says the NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker.
Diversion will be place and drivers should allow another 10-15 minutes for their journeys.
Apart from the 90 minute full closure on Thursday, traffic will continue to use the toll roads during the three-day maintenance period.
Mr Parker says the maintenance is important to ensure that the tunnels are kept in a good and safe condition for all highway users.
“The tunnels have sophisticated safety measures to deal with emergencies and it is critical that they are regularly checked and maintained at a high level,” says Mr Parker.
The maintenance work will be carried by the NZTA’s Auckland Motorway Alliance (AMA).
Tuesday 15 February: Northbound tunnel closed (Southbound tunnel open, traffic flowing both directions)
Wednesday 16 February: Southbound tunnel closed (Northbound tunnel open, traffic flowing both directions)
Thursday 17 February: Full closure of the Northern Gateway Toll Road from 10am - 11.30am (follow detour via free route – SH17).
