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The eight lanes of the Auckland Harbor Bridge have finally been reopened, announced the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
The bridge has been operating at reduced capacity since September 18, when a freak gust of wind blew a truck onto the bridge, damaging a strut.
Last week, a temporary strut was installed on the bridge to allow for the reopening of more lanes and alleviate heavy congestion.
On Sunday, a new permanent prop was successfully installed.
READ MORE:
* Auckland Harbor Bridge: NZTA is hopeful that all lanes can be reopened in a few days
* Auckland Harbor Bridge – New bridge strut installed properly, southbound lanes will reopen at 9am. M.
* Auckland Harbor Bridge – Video shows permanent repair of damaged bridge in progress
The NZTA said the moving lane barrier would be operational again overnight to allow five southbound lanes to be open in time for the peak travel on Wednesday morning.
RYAN ANDERSON / Stuff
The Auckland Harbor Bridge has been restored to full capacity.
“We know the last two and a half weeks have been frustrating for bridge users, especially at peak times, and we are just as happy as everyone else that we were able to repair the damage and get it up and running at full capacity long before I initially thought ”Said Waka Kotahi Transportation Services General Manager Brett Gliddon.
The agency had been monitoring the new strut and its load bearing function and it was “working well,” he said.
With no damage to other parts of the bridge, Gliddon said it could now run all eight lanes for the first time in two and a half weeks.
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The new port bridge strut was successfully installed on Sunday.
“We are grateful for the understanding and support we have had as we work as quickly as possible to safely repair the bridge and reopen all lanes.”
Motorists have been encouraged to use public transportation or the Western Ring Road instead of the bridge for the past two weeks, and Gliddon said there had been about a 30 percent reduction in the number of vehicles crossing it on weekdays. during the morning peak.
“The Auckland Harbor Bridge has been a vital part of Auckland’s transportation system for over 60 years and we are pleased to have been able to retain its long-term structural integrity to ensure that it continues to function as part of the city’s general transportation system. “
