A new bridge across Manukau Harbour and improvements to the existing bridge will be completed early, Transport Minister Steven Joyce says.The Manukau Harbour Crossing project on the southwestern motorway was due to be finished in March 2011 but will now b
A new bridge across Manukau Harbour and improvements to the existing bridge will be completed early, Transport Minister Steven Joyce says.
The Manukau Harbour Crossing project on the southwestern motorway was due to be finished in March 2011 but will now be ready in August this year.
The new bridge will feature four southbound lanes, including one lane just for local traffic. The existing bridge is being refurbished to carry four lanes for northbound traffic. The project also includes increased capacity for buses, and the new bridge has been future-proofed to carry rail.
The Manukau Harbour Crossing is part of the southern end of the Western Ring Route -- a 48km alternative to SH1 running between Manukau and Albany via State Highways 20, 16 and 18.
Mr Joyce says when complete, the new crossing will result in travel time savings of up to 20 minutes between CBD and the airport, as a result of congestion relief.
"And the news that the project will be completed well in advance of the Rugby World Cup in 2011 is an added bonus."
