By Phil Taylor
Copyright times
The builders of the Eastern Busway warn motorists to expect more disruptions and delays around Pakūranga town centre for the next five weeks.
On the final stages of completing the Rā Hihi (Reeves Road Flyover) roadway section of the multimillion-dollar east Auckland transport project, constructors the Eastern Busway Alliance and Auckland Transport (AT) say “Pakūranga Road – expect congestion and delays” from this Saturday, September 20.
That’s because as they near partially opening the flyover for traffic driving west and connecting with the South-Eastern Highway from October 1, vehicle lanes are reducing and changing in their direction.
“There will be fewer lanes on Pakūranga Road from Saturday, September 20, to Friday, October 24,” says the Eastern Busway Alliance and AT.
“We’re delighted that Rā Hihi, the flyover above Reeves Road, will open to traffic in October, five months ahead of schedule.
“Major work is needed on Pakūranga Road to build the access to it [Rā Hihi] and we’re working round the clock to get the job done and improve travel times for east Aucklanders.”
From Saturday, September 20, until October 8, there will be one fewer lane available to motorists on Pakūranga Road near the intersection with the flyover.
The four lanes will use a mix of directions during those 18 days.
In the morning peak, three lanes will be available to westward moving traffic heading away from Pakūranga and Howick.
Then the road configuration will switch to two lanes in both directions, while for the evening commute there will be three lanes open for vehicles going to Howick.
From October 9-12, Pakūranga Road will again have five lanes open to traffic, but then it’s back to four from October 13-26, as Rā Hihi opens partially citybound on October 1, and fully on October 27.
“Plan ahead to avoid travelling at peak times. Visit www.at.govt.nz/journeyplanner to plan your journey.”
Meanwhile, the Eastern Busway Alliance and AT say work continues on the Eastern Busway project along Tī Rākau Drive towards Botany.
“Keep an eye open for the arrival of large, long beams. Construction of the Tī Rākau and Taupaepae bridges is underway, and during the next six weeks, the decks of the bridges will start taking shape.
“Each beam that will support the decks is up to 36 metres long and will be brought in at night when there’s more room to manoeuvre them.
“Drivers will still be able to use Tī Rākau Drive and traffic management will be in place for safety reasons.”
The alliance and AT say two bus stations will also start “emerging” on Tī Rākau Drive over the coming months.
“Work has begun to build Koata-Riverhills Station and Te Taha Wai–Edgewater Station on the busway heading towards Pakūranga.
“There will be some night road closures and detours at the Gossamer Drive and Tī Rākau Drive intersection in September and October while the foundations are prepared.”
