What do you know about the Lambie Drive Overbridge? This bridge isn’t just concrete and steel. It’s a key part of Auckland’s transport story.
The Lambie Drive Overbridge allows Lambie Drive to pass safely over the motorway below. It serves as a major entry and exit point for traffic. Manukau Central Business District traffic uses it to access State Highway 1 and State Highway 20.
Imagine the construction, progressing for over two years. The Lambie Drive Bridge is 61 meters long. It stands 5 meters high. It comprises 24 pre-cast concrete beams. The first section of the new Lambie Drive bridge was completed on Thursday 19 February.
Two lanes on the bridge opened to traffic early on Monday 2 March. This followed a closure of Lambie Drive. The closure allowed for the final stages of work.
Wayne McDonald, NZTA regional director, noted the bridge’s importance. He said that the bridges will make it one step easier for motorists to access this area. He added that it will help to relieve congestion on the local roads that lead to Manukau City Centre.
When fully completed, the Lambie Drive Overbridge boasts four lanes. These lanes carry traffic over the SH20-1 motorway. It provides a vital link to Manukau City Centre. Commuters traveling to the Manukau business district use it.
The overbridge is part of the $210 million Manukau Extension motorway project. The project includes preparatory work towards the construction of a rail link to the Manukau city centre from the main North Island rail line adjacent to the motorway. A rail underpass was constructed for this future rail link.
The new 4.5 kilometer motorway has two lanes in each direction. It forms the southern end of the Western Ring Route. This route provides an alternative to SH1 between Manukau and Albany.
Initial traffic management included diverting vehicles to temporary alignments along Lambie Drive.
In addition to the Lambie Drive Overbridge, other bridges were constructed. These bridges carry Great South Road and Wiri Station Road over the new motorway.
The State Highway 1 and State Highway 20 motorways join at a triple-level interchange. Traffic traveling from Auckland and the south can directly access State Highway 20. This provides access to Auckland International Airport and the Western Ring Route. Traffic traveling from State Highway 20 can join State Highway 1 traveling both north and south.
The State Highway 20 Manukau Extension project delivered several benefits. These benefits include improved access to and from Auckland International Airport. It provides more reliable trip times. It also relieves congestion on local roads.
So, the Lambie Drive Overbridge is more than just a bridge. It is a crucial element in Auckland’s transportation network. It facilitates movement and supports future growth.