Judder bars to calm extra Cup traffic up Mt Eden

Mt Eden's summit road has been closed for the installation of new judder bars. Photo / Duncan Brown

Mt Eden's summit road has been closed until late this month while cattle stops are replaced by judder bars to "calm" extra traffic expected during the Rugby World Cup tournament.

As well, a pedestrian strip on the downhill side of the one-way road will be painted green before the road is reopened on August 27.

Auckland Council parks, sports and recreation manager Ian Maxwell yesterday denied a rumour in the tourism industry that the road would be closed to buses during the rugby tournament.

But he said the possibility of a ban was likely to re-emerge next year after the enactment of legislation providing for Maori governance of Auckland's volcanic cones.

Although there would be no restriction on buses during the tournament, he said the council would employ stewards to manage traffic and ensure pedestrian safety. There were also likely to be guided walks.

Friends of Maungawhau acting chairman Kit Howden said a ban on buses could not come soon enough, and he was disappointed the council had not at least introduced a permit system for commercial operators to control congestion on the mountain over the World Cup period.

He believed such a system should include contributions from the tourism industry to the care of the volcanic cone, which depended on the efforts of volunteers.