Focus Live earlier: Traffic chaos continues after 40Kg panel falls
A major thoroughfare in central Auckland could remain closed for at least a week - and possibly considerably longer - while safety precautions are taken on an apartment building where a large panel was blown off in a storm.
An inspection of the building face this morning had revealed more loose panels, said Ian Harris, who represents the corporate body for repair works on the building.
The intention was to employ an abseil company to throw a net over the side of the building to ensure no more panels fell on to the street.
"We want to get it done today as fast as we possibly can," Harris said.
A building inspection this morning has discovered more loose panels. Photo / Alex Burton
Auckland motorists and commuters faced significant delays this morning due to the closure of Victoria St West between Nelson St and Hobson St.
Nelson St is also closed to traffic from the Victoria St intersection to Fanshawe St
Early this morning, city-bound traffic coming off the Southern and Northwestern motorways clogged the intersection of Nelson St and Victoria St. From there traffic was down to a single lane and being diverted towards Victoria Park.
Plan ahead if you are heading to Auckland City Centre this morning. ^MF https://t.co/PtQTbLdTdr
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) July 4, 2019
A crane arrived at the building in Victoria St just before 6am Friday to lift an expert up in a basket to inspect the face of the building and assess the risk of further debris falling on to the street below.
A crane arrived at the building site just before 6am to lift an expert up to inspect the damage.
A manager for the crane firm, Teak Construction, told the Herald this morning that it was "very likely" scaffolding would have to be erected on the entire street frontage of the 42m-tall apartment building - a job that would normally take three weeks.
The manager, who did not want to be named, said the work could be sped up by using a crane and pulling out all stops, but it would take at least a week.
Nelson St traffic is being forced to turn in to Victoria St West. Photo / Lucy Thomson
Talks are under way with a scaffolding company to prepare a contingency plan, he said.
The road would have to remain closed while the scaffolding was erected to provide a barrier for any falling debris, he said. Vehicles and the public would not be allowed in the area.
"It's a public safety issue," said the manager.
A spokesman for Auckland Transport said they expected to receive an engineer's report at about midday today.
"At this stage we do not know how long the closure will last."
A reminder that due to fallen debris, Victoria Street is closed between Nelson & Hobson Streets. A number of inner city bus routes are being diverted, including the 22, 24, 75, 106 and InnerLink. Find out about the detour routes and closed bus stops here: https://t.co/66eiGhDaH5pic.twitter.com/9kCjeiuWft
