Auckland's inner city cycle network one step closer

The construction of a vital link in Auckland's inner city cycle network is one step closer - with the arrival of two of the seven sections needed to build the bridge.

Two of the seven mammoth sections that'll piece together the Canada St Bridge were moved by truck along State Highway One from Pukekohe to a site within the Central Motorway Junction overnight.

NZ Transport Agency's State Highways manager Brett Gliddon says the delivery marks a major milestone in the bridge's construction and the wider Nelson Street Cycleway project.

The construction of a vital link in Auckland's inner city cycle network is one step closer. Photo / Supplied

"The pieces, which vary in length from 14 to 42 metres, will be stored on location within the Central Motorway Junction until they are installed in stages during a separate operation next month."

When fully erected the Canada St Bridge will span 160m and will weigh 260 tonnes. It will connect Canada St with the old Nelson St off-ramp by crossing the Central Motorway Junction.

The bridge is part of phase 1 of the Nelson Street Cycleway, from Upper Queen Street to Victoria Street West, that is expected to be finished in December.

Further motorway closures will be necessary over the next month as the remaining bridge pieces are delivered to the site during September 7-11 and September 22-29.

The Facts:

SH1 closure details:
Full southbound motorway closures from Cook St off-ramp to Symonds St on-ramp 10pm to 5am:
• Detour for North Shore traffic heading south: take Port Link to Wellesley St East on-ramp to re-join SH1 (map below)
• Detour for inner-city traffic: Hobson St on-ramp will be closed, please take K-Rd to Symonds St on-ramp
• SH16 will remain open
• SH1 southbound closures also required late September and will be advised closer to the time

Keep up to date with the full details of the motorway closures on the NZTA website.