The project has successfully removed the last major bottleneck on Auckland’s central motorway network. It has involved the construction of a 450m cut and cover tunnel for three lanes of northbound traffic, reconfiguration of the Victoria Park flyover for four southbound lanes, and widening the motorway through St Marys Bay by one more lane in each direction. The project has also left behind better local places and spaces as a result of urban design initiatives and has protected and restored three important heritage structures – the Rob Roy Hotel, the Campbell Free Kindergarten and the Jacobs Ladder Staircase.
We are confident that these improvements will benefit the entire Auckland region, economically, socially and environmentally for years to come.
What’s changed on the motorway?
The third lane in the Victoria Park Tunnel is now open. When using the Victoria Park Tunnel please:
- Stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front
- Avoid changing lanes
- Keep moving
We have also opened a peak lane, operated by moveable lane barriers, between Fanshawe Street and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. This is the fifth northbound lane through St Marys Bay. It opens by 3.30pm on weekdays and can be accessed from both Fanshawe and Beaumont streets. Watch a video animation showing how the peak lane operates at the Fanshawe St motorway on ramp.
The Victoria Park flyover is in a new permanent layout. You need to be in the correct lane for your destination: check our video animation before you drive. On your drive, be guided by the big green overhead signs. And get into the right lane early - preferably on your approach to the harbour bridge.
Go to Driver Information for more information about the motorway changes.
Project update
Final motorway paving is now complete. Still left to do is:
- Final lane marking, which can only be done once the asphalt on the motorway has cured in May.
- Final landscaping, at Point Erin and on Victoria Park. This includes turning the site of the old Victoria Park bowling club (which was a site office during construction) into park. The Curran Street compound will remain until mid-year.
- Completion of the ground floor refurbishment of the Rob Roy Hotel and the new plaza in front of it – in May.
Work on the Jacobs Ladder Footbridge is on hold while the Victoria Park Alliance works through options for completing the cladding. This follows the appearance of crazing on some cladding panels.
The St Marys Bay walkway is fully open although some night closures may be needed when work on the footbridge resumes.
Note that the project office in Beaumont Street has closed. Also, the Hotline has been discontinued. If you have any enquiries about the Victoria Park Tunnel project or ongoing work please email: info@nzta.govt.nz.
Awards for Victoria Park Tunnel project
2010
Concrete Sustainability Awards
- Winner, Excellence in Concrete for the Community
2011
NZ Contractors Federation
- Winner, Hynds Group Environmental Excellence (projects over $10M)
- Winner, Safeguard: NZ Safety Award – Best initiative to encourage engagement in health and safety.
- Winner, Projects over $10M in value
- Winner, Supreme Award
NZTA’s GEM awards for customer service
- Customer care system (improvements)
2012
Public Relations Institute of NZ
- Winner, Government public relations
NZ Contractors Federation
- Winner, Projects exceeding $20m
Roading New Zealand Excellence Awards
- HireQuip Best Practice Award for Environmental Sustainability
- Z Energy Excellence Award for a Major Road Project
International Road Federation
- Global Road Achievement Award for Construction Methodology
