The NZ Transport Agency is advising travellers using the Northern Gateway Toll Road to drive with care next week when the twin tunnels at Johnstone's Hill are closed temporarily for maintenance.
The northbound tunnel will close on Tuesday, 10 August, for maintenance and the southbound tunnel reconfigured to carry two-way traffic during the closure. The next day, Wednesday 11 August, maintenance work switches to the southbound tunnel and two-way traffic will be diverted through the northbound one.
The NZTA's State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker, says the toll road is a motorway environment and it is important for people to drive with care. Speed restrictions will be in place and drivers should be aware of lane changes diverting them into the opposite tunnel.
"It's a priority for us to make sure this important highway remains open and safe during the maintenance work," says Mr Parker. "Making the tunnels two-way will mean that people can continue to use the toll road and any disruption to their journeys is kept to a minimum."
Mr Parker says the maintenance work is necessary to help ensure the safety of people using the toll road. The work includes servicing and testing the tunnels' electrical, mechanical and fire safety systems. The walls of both tunnels will also be cleaned.
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
