Motorists are being advised by the NZ Transport Agency to avoid Roscommon Road in Manukau city when schools reopen on Monday [11October] and plan alternative routes to get their children to school in time for the start of the new term.
Access from Roscommon Road to the new westbound lanes of the SH20-1 Manukau Extension motorway has been closed since late September, and the NZTA says that people can avoid long delays during the morning peak by planning ahead.
“We regret the temporary disruption to the community that relies on Roscommon Road, but it is necessary so that we can complete work on the final stages of the new motorway,” says the NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland, Tommy Parker.
“It is important that people leave extra time for their journeys in the morning peak, especially if they’re driving from suburbs in the south,” adds Mr Parker. “There are significant changes to their usual route on Roscommon Road, and people should follow the signs showing them the best way to go.”
Drivers from Manurewa and Clendon heading to the new motorway along Roscommon Road should divert along Wiri Station Road and Lambie Drive to access westbound lanes. Those travelling from the south to Auckland International Airport should also leave an extra 15 minutes for their journey.
To help avoid queues building up, the NZTA advises motorists to plan their route:-
Mr Parker says it is essential to close access from Roscommon Road so that workers can safely complete work on the motorway project’s strategic section – the direct link to the airport.
“These changes will be in place for three months so that we’re ready to open the whole motorway by Christmas,” he says.
Ongoing work is also continuing on local roads around the Manukau City Centre and Westfield Mall, to improve connections in the area. There will be some temporary road closures, and signposted detours in place to assist motorists. Access to the main entrances of Manukau City Centre will remain open.
The $220M Manukau Extension motorway connects the Southwestern (SH20) and Southern Motorways (SH1) at Manukau City. It is being opened progressively in three stages between August and December.
The motorway forms the southern gateway to the Western Ring Route. When completed, the ring route will provide a 48 kilometre-long alternative to SH1 between Manukau and Albany via SH20, SH16 and SH18.
The NZTA thanks motorists for their patience and co-operation while the opening staging takes place.
More information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/manukauextension(external link) or on www.youtube.com(external link) keyword search: Manukau Extension. Alternatively freephone 0800 SH20-2-1 (0800 742 021).
