Auckland motorway closure to delay airport-bound drivers

Auckland's Southwestern Motorway will be closed from 7pm to 8am tomorrow. Photo / Richard Robinson

Motorists bound for the airport will need to plan for delays as Auckland's Southwestern Motorway will be closed for works.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said a section of State Highway 20 will be closed from 7pm tomorrow to 8am Sunday to allow a heavy 80m-long span for a pedestrian and cycle bridge to be lifted into place over the motorway.

The works were planned for last weekend, however adverse weather conditions meant the lift was postponed.

NZTA's Highway Manager, Brett Gliddon, said the overnight closure would have its biggest impact on people using the motorway to travel to the airport. "Signed detours will be in place, but we would advise people to allow more travel time to comfortably arrive at the airport if they need to catch flights or are meeting family or friends."

Southbound, the motorway will be closed from Hillsborough Road intercharge to the Neilson Street off-ramp.

The Queenstown Road on-ramp will be closed, but the southbound on-ramp at Neilson Street will remain open.

Northbound, the Onehunga on-ramp just past the Mangere bridge will be closed all night. The off-ramp will be closed for about 2 hours from 8pm.

Diversions will start from 7pm tomorrow. The motorway will be re-opened in both directions by 8am on Sunday morning.

Drivers are advised to check for the latest highway information on www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.

Electronic signs along the motorway network will also be used to help keep people informed of the closure.

Orpheus Drive, adjacent to the motorway, will be closed for up to 24 hours from 6.30am on Saturday so the bridge span can be moved into position for the overnight lift.

Mr Gliddon says if weather conditions are unsuitable, the lift will be postponed again.