The NZ Transport Agency celebrated the opening of Plunket Avenue Bridge today - the last of twelve bridges to be completed on the SH20-1 Manukau Extension project as part of the Western Ring Route.
The NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland Wayne McDonald joined Manukau Mayor Len Brown in a ceremonial opening of the bridge this morning (15 July).
Motorists will have access to the bridge from Friday 16 July.
Plunket Avenue had been closed for five weeks between Keith Hay Drive and Falcon Avenue so that work on the 205 metre-long bridge over the new motorway could be completed. The two-lane bridge provides connections between local Manukau roads.
Mr McDonald says it was essential to close Plunket Avenue temporarily so that workers could safely complete work on the motorway project’s final bridge and so that the construction of the section of the new motorway beneath the bridge could be brought forward.
“We are pleased with the great progress that has been made to open the bridge which forms a vital local link for those travelling in this busy industrial area. The work signals further progress on the new motorway which is going to make a big difference in reducing congestion in the area,” he says.
The $220M Manukau Extension motorway project is scheduled to be opened progressively between August and December. The new 4.5 kilometre-long extension will have two lanes in each direction and connect the Southern and Southwestern motorways. It will also help ease congestion on local roads within the Manukau City Centre area, including Wiri Station and Great South Roads.
The motorway will form the southern end of the Western Ring Route. When completed, it will provide a 48 kilometre alternative to SH1 between Manukau and Albany via SH20, SH16 and SH18.
The NZ Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and co-operation while construction takes place. For more information, phone 0800 SH20-2-1 (0800 742 021) or visit www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/manukauextension(external link)
