A long-awaited east Auckland flyover designed to ease congestion at one of the country’s busiest intersection will open in October — five months ahead of schedule.
Auckland Transport (AT) confirmed Rā Hihi, also known as the Reeves Rd flyover, would open to citybound traffic on October 1 and in both directions on October 27.
The 600m-long flyover, a key component of the Eastern Busway project, provides a direct link between Pakūranga Rd and the Waipuna Bridge, easing congestion around the Pakūranga Town Centre.
AT group manager Jane Small said the flyover would reduce congestion once it was fully open.
“Rā Hihi is a critical part of the Eastern Busway project that’s connecting East Auckland with rapid public transport to the rest of the city. It is the latest major transport improvement we’ve opened as part of the project following the Panmure Station, Panmure to Pakūranga busway and new Panmure intersection to replace the roundabout.”
However, the final stages of construction would cause significant traffic disruption, with lane reductions in place on Pakūranga Rd from September 20 to October 24 to allow final works to be completed.
“The most disruptive work will take place during the school holidays between Saturday September 20 and Saturday September 27 when there is less traffic,” Small said.
“Drivers should expect congestion and delays and we suggest planning ahead to avoid travelling at peak times if possible. We will be working round the clock to get the job done.”
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown said the news of the opening being brought forward was “incredibly exciting” for east Auckland motorists.
“I know how long people in east Auckland have waited for the construction of this new road and how critical it is to easing congestion in our community. Can’t wait to see it open.”
He said the road would be key to keeping traffic moving, with more than 40,000 cars using Pakūranga Rd daily.
“There is still a significant amount of work required to be completed prior to the opening of the flyover, which will impact traffic flows around Pakuranga. My expectation is that Auckland Transport does everything it can to keep traffic moving while these final works are being completed.”
