Major road layout change on Upper Harbour Hwy
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport agency is advising North Shore motorists of a significant change to Upper Harbour Hwy (SH18) next week.
From 5am on Tuesday April 27, motorists will exit SH18 via a new off-ramp at Paul Matthews Drive.
The new road layout will shift all eastbound traffic onto the off-ramp and through a new intersection, where motorists may turn left to go towards Rosedale, and right to either continue onto Constellation Drive or turn onto Unsworth Heights and the northern motorway (SH1) on-ramp.
The road layout change is required to create a new construction zone for new northbound connections as part of the Northern Corridor Improvements, national manager of infrastructure delivery Andrew Thackwray said.
“The nature of this work means it will cause some disruption to road users, but when finished the Northern Corridor Improvements will provide much better transport options on the North Shore for freight, cars, pedestrians and cyclists.”
He encouraged motorists to plan ahead and allow extra travel time, as major delays are expected during the morning and afternoon peaks, adding that those heading to the CBD should consider using the northwestern motorway (SH16) instead.
Traffic lights and queues at the intersection will be monitored and signal phases may be adjusted to improve traffic flow if required.
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.