Bike medics ready for viaduct shutdown

Photo / Brett Phibbs

Motorbike medics will be on standby during this weekend's Auckland motorway closure to deal with emergencies in and around the city.

The St John motorbike squad in Auckland - made up of four members - will be ready to head to an emergency without worrying too much about traffic.

Each motorbike will be equipped with medical supplies and gear, while the rider - an advanced paramedic - will be decked out in leather.

St John says the motorbike medical squad is only used during special events, such as the Round the Bays, and in special circumstances such as a major motorway closure.

St John clinical standards manager Mark Deoki said the motorbike service provided easier and faster access to an emergency.

"We can use lights and sirens on ambulances to assist us to move traffic during emergencies," Mr Deoki said.

"[But] we will have additional resources on standby in the form of our motorbike medics, whose medically equipped motorcycles are easily manoeuvrable."

The plans come as police and fire services also arrange alternative plans, in case of emergencies, during the southbound motorway closure on Newmarket Viaduct.

Part of the motorway will be closed from 5pm tomorrow, all Sunday - Father's Day - until 5am on Monday.

Fire services in Auckland have also made moves to work around the motorway closure. Fire region Auckland manager Brian Butt said although services could easily weave through traffic in cases of emergencies, other moves had been made.

More trucks will be situated south of the city, in case there is a big fire, which would allow those trucks to get closer to the city quicker.

Police northern communications said police officers would act accordingly to an emergency, however no specific plans had been made.

Meanwhile, Newmarket Business Association chief executive Cameron Brewer said he was upset about signage around the city, which had given a wrong impression that the road would be closed the whole of tomorrow.

For the past few weeks, overhead signs on the motorway have informed motorists of the closure from September 4 and September 5.

"We're really worried that there is a perception that the motorway is closed all weekend," Mr Brewer said.

"When the reality is, the motorway won't be closed until 5pm on Saturday - meaning Newmarket is still open for business all day Saturday."

Mr Brewer said all the main stores in Newmarket were scheduled to be open tomorrow, with just a handful of smaller businesses shutting, and encouraged people to use free train services that will be running. "All the cafes, restaurants and shops will be open, so maybe bring dad over for an early Father's Day present."

BUSY WEEKEND
* Father's day
* Netball test with Australia at Vector Arena.
* Auckland vs Taranaki at Eden Park Sunday 2.35pm.
* North Harbour vs Waikato at North Harbour Stadium Saturday 7.35pm.
* Two-day badminton tournament off Gillies Ave.