Motorway overbridge closed

The overbridge on Orams Road in Manurewa will be closed while another lane is added to the motorway. Photo / File

A motorway over-bridge connecting two Auckland suburbs has been closed, while contractors add extra lanes to the Southern Motorway.

The Orams Road Bridge in Manurewa, connecting Goodwin Heights and Homai, was closed this morning.

It will remain closed to all motorists, pedestrians and cyclists until at least October, so the eastern beam of the bridge can be demolished to build an extra lane.

NZTA Auckland highways manager Brett Gliddon says it will allow them to create a fourth south-bound lane between Manukau and Hill Road.

The timetables for two bus routes have changed, and pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted via Puhinui Stream and Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Motorists will have to make a larger detour via Everglade Drive, Redoubt Road and Great South Road.