The NZ Transport Agency is advising travellers using the Northern Gateway Toll Road to drive with care next week, because of regular maintenance work in the twin tunnels at Johnstone’s Hill.
The NZ Transport Agency is advising travellers using the Northern Gateway Toll Road to drive with care next week, because of regular maintenance work in the twin tunnels at Johnstone’s Hill.
While maintenance work is carried out on the northbound tunnel, on Tuesday 16 February, the southbound tunnel will be temporarily re-configured to carry two-way traffic. The next day, Wednesday 17 February, maintenance work will switch to the southbound tunnel and northbound one will be reconfigured to carry two-way traffic.
“It’s a priority for us to make sure this important highway remains open and safe during the maintenance work,” said the NZ Transport Agency’s State Highways Manager for Auckland, Tommy Parker. “Making the tunnels two-way will mean that people can continue to use the toll road while any disruption to their journeys is kept to a minimum.”
The toll road is a motorway environment and Mr Parker said it was important that people drove with care. Speed restrictions will be in place and drivers should be aware of lane changes diverting them into the opposite tunnel.
The maintenance work includes servicing and testing the tunnels’ electrical, mechanical and fire safety systems. The walls of both tunnels will also be cleaned.
“There have been around two-and-a-half million trips on the toll road during its first year, and it’s essential that the tunnels are maintained to the highest standards for all those who drive through them,” Mr Parker said.
People not wanting to drive on the toll road can use the SH17 alternative route between Silverdale, Orewa and Puhoi.
For more information about these works, or any other work on the motorway network please call, Auckland Motorways on 09 5200 200.
