The NZ Transport Agency has re-opened the Southern Motorway (SH1), and southbound traffic is now moving freely across the first half of the new Newmarket Viaduct.
The NZTA had expected the complex work needed to open the new viaduct to take up to 36 hours. However, the critical element of relocating the 800-tonne ‘Big Blue’ construction gantry was achieved without hitch overnight, allowing final paving work to be completed this morning.
NZTA spokesman Andy Knackstedt says the early re-opening of the Southern Motorway is a tremendous result for the NZTA, the project team and for Auckland.
“Our objective over this weekend was to ensure the Southern Motorway was back open in both directions by tomorrow morning’s rush-hour. The advertised 36 hour closure incorporated a contingency period appropriate to the risk and complexity of the works, however to be able to re-open the motorway by midday today is a fantastic achievement by our highly-skilled construction team.”
The success of the ‘Southbound Switch’ means that the NZTA has achieved the remarkable feat of only having to close the motorway for less than half a day over a 21 month construction period to open the new southbound Newmarket Viaduct.
“Throughout the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project, we have remained committed to minimising impact across the country’s busiest stretch of motorway,” says Mr Knackstedt. “This commitment will remain through the next exciting stage of the project; the ‘deconstruction’ of the old southbound lanes and the opening of the fourth southbound lane to Greenlane.”
Mr Knackstedt also has praise for the attitude of Auckland’s motorists, for heeding the advice to leave the car at home and use alternative modes of transport. Fewer vehicles on the road meant that the team had easy access around Newmarket to move trucks and equipment into place during the closure.
“We’re aware that many families will have changed their plans today at our request, for which we are truly grateful. On behalf of the NZTA, I’d like to thank all Aucklanders for their patience, support and cooperation, and in particular wish all Dads a very happy Father’s Day.”
Motorists are reminded that with the Big Blue construction gantry now positioned between the north and southbound lanes, a reduced speed limit of 70 km/h applies in both directions. More information on the Southbound Switch, including photos and time-lapse footage of the gantry relocation, will be available soon at www.facebook.com/switchmyroute(external link).
