A major milestone for the Harbour Link Project will be achieved on Monday, September 7 with the opening of the NZ Transport Agency's new Harbour Bridge to traffic.
Before the new bridge can be opened a temporary ramp needs to be built from the Dive Cr roundabout up onto the new bridge. This work is scheduled to start as soon as the Harbour Link Community Open Day on Sunday September 6 finishes, with preparatory work being carried out a few nights before.
A 30km/h speed restriction will be in place during these works and motorists are advised to use an alternative route as delays are expected. The Dive Cr roundabout will still operate as it does now.
On Monday morning the commute over the harbour will be on the new route, which includes the new Harbour and Aerodrome bridges and causeway. Until the project is completed in December traffic on this new corridor will remain single-lane in both directions as it is now. Delays are expected during the first few days of the traffic switch and motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
Construction of the temporary ramp is weather dependent. If weather is bad and the ramp cannot be constructed, the opening of the new bridge to traffic will be delayed until the weather improves.
NZTA Project Manager Kevin Reid said opening of the shared 2.5m walkway/cycleway, which runs from Mirrielees Rd over the new bridge and through to the Tasman Quay intersection on Hewletts Rd will coincide with the opening of the new bridge. Signs will be installed advising pedestrians and cyclists where they can access the new walkway/cycleway.
As part of the reconstruction of the old bridge, pedestrian and cycle access from Totara St South onto Aerodrome Bridge will be closed for the next few months. This closure will begin on Sunday morning September 6. Details of the closure will be advised using road-side information signs.
For more information please contact:
Julie Hannam
Regional Communications Advisor
NZ Transport Agency
T 07 958 7238
M 027 294 2649
julie.hannam@nzta.govt.nz
