The NZ Transport Agency celebrated completion of the first section of the new Lambie Drive bridge on Thursday 19 February as part of its SH20-1 Manukau Extension project.
The NZ Transport Agency celebrated completion of the first section of the new Lambie Drive bridge yesterday (Thursday 19 February) as part of its SH20-1 Manukau Extension project.
NZTA regional director Wayne McDonald joined Manukau City Mayor Len Brown in cutting the ribbon at the crest of the bridge to signify the ceremonial opening.
Two lanes on the bridge are scheduled to open to traffic early on Monday 2 March, following a closure of Lambie Drive next weekend from 9.30pm Friday 27 February until 5.00am Monday 2 March, to complete the final stages of work. In the event of bad weather the opening will be postponed to the next suitable Monday.
“The partial opening of Lambie Drive Bridge signifies a key milestone on this project. It’s the third of twelve bridges to be completed – together with structures at Wiri Station Road and Great South Road. When the new motorway is completed these bridges will make it one step easier for motorists to access this area and will help to relieve congestion on the local roads that lead to Manukau City Centre,” says NZTA regional director Wayne McDonald.
Construction has progressed over two years to build the 61 metre long Lambie Drive Bridge, which is 5 metres high and made up of 24 pre-cast concrete beams. Work is continuing on the interchange over the next few months to construct the rail underpass and associated motorway and road connections.
When fully completed, the bridge will have four lanes to carry traffic over the future SH20-1 motorway, providing a link to Manukau City Centre. It will become a major access point for those travelling to SH20 and SH1 and particularly for commuters travelling to the Manukau business district.
The $210M Manukau Extension motorway project is now half way through construction and is scheduled to be completed in mid 2010. The new 4.5 kilometre motorway will have two lanes in each direction to form the southern end of the Western Ring Route – a 48 kilometre alternative to SH1 between Manukau and Albany via SH20, SH16 and SH18. Projects at Mangere Bridge, Mt Roskill and Waterview form the remainder of the SH20 link.
For more information on the SH20-1 Manukau Extension project visit www.nzta.govt.nz/manukauextension(external link) or phone 0800 SH20-2-1 (0800 742 021).
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Stakeholder and Communications Manager - Auckland
T 64 9 368 2142
M 027 213 7616
E ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
