The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) would like to thank motorists for their patience and cooperation in adapting to the new southbound lane conditions across the Newmarket Viaduct, which were put in place at the beginning of the week as part of the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) would like to thank motorists for their patience and cooperation in adapting to the new southbound lane conditions across the Newmarket Viaduct, which were put in place at the beginning of the week as part of the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project.
The new lane markings and a reduced, 70 km/h speed limit will allow the NZTA to keep all three southbound lanes open safely as it constructs a new four-lane southbound viaduct next to the existing one. The speed limit on the northbound carriageway has also been reduced to 80 km/h due to the potential for visual distractions.
Safety barriers are currently being installed alongside the edge of the bridge through a series of night-time lane closures. Once the barriers are in place, construction activity next to the motorway will increase significantly.
“The Newmarket Connection project incorporates world leading engineering methodology, which allows us the opportunity to carry out a necessary replacement of a vital stretch of road without bringing Auckland to a halt,” explains Tommy Parker, the NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland.
“Nevertheless, for us to safely keep all three lanes open through Stage 1 of the project, this methodology needs to be supported by considerate driver behaviour, therefore I’m both delighted and reassured that Auckland’s motorists have adapted so willingly to the changed conditions and lower speed limits.”
Mr Parker said it was important that motorists continued to drive with care on the Newmarket Viaduct because of the narrower lanes and the increasing level of construction work.
The delivery of a new southbound bridge in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011 represents Stage 1 of the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement Project. The project is being completed through an innovative series of construction and deconstruction stages that will allow the NZTA to keep the Southern Motorway operational in both directions throughout. Overall project completion is scheduled for December 2012.
Bridge columns for the new southbound viaduct have been erected, and are ready for the first deck segments to be craned in to place from mid September. This activity will then be followed by the erection of a 140metre long launching gantry, which will sit above the level of the motorway and be used to install segments of the new bridge.
For more information on the Newmarket Connection: Viaduct Replacement project, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/newmarketconnection(external link) or call the freephone number: 0508 CONNECT (266 6328).
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T 64 9 368 2142
M 027 213 7616
E ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
