Auckland motorway reopening ahead of schedule

An NZTA spokesman said the 5am Monday re-openining was a worst case scenario. Photo / Herald on Sunday

The revamped southbound lanes of the southern motorway will reopen ahead of schedule today, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

The process of lifting the motorway closure has already started, with a view to fully reopening the motorway early this afternoon.

However, Aucklanders are being told not to drive unless essential, as travel delays are still likely while traffic management measures and detour signs are removed across the city.

The early re-opening has been made possible by the faster than expected relocation of the 800 tonne `Big Blue' construction gantry, which was shifted from the new Newmarket Viaduct to the old southbound lanes overnight.

Motorists heading south on State Highway 1 are reminded to be aware of the changed motorway layout and visual distractions, and to drive with extra caution as they head across the new southbound Newmarket Viaduct.

Mark Walker, NZTA's traffic operations manager for Auckland and Northland, said they made excellent progress by working hard through the night.

"We're pleased that we'll be able to open the motorway earlier than we anticipated.

"We understand that people will be keen to get back in their cars, but we do ask for just a few hours more patience, as traffic on local roads may well remain congested for a while as traffic flows return to normal," he said.

Travel information will continue to be updated over the remainder of the closure at the project's website or on Facebook.

- NZPA