Busy city bridge closed after cracks found

The Remuera Rd rail overbridge has been closed to traffic until further notice, angering the business community. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Motorists are being advised to avoid the Remuera Rd rail overbridge in Newmarket, which was closed yesterday after contractors discovered cracks in the 100-year-old structure.

Contractors are working round the clock to reopen the busy four-lane bridge, which is expected to remain closed until mid-afternoon today at the earliest. Detours are in place.

Commuters on the southern and western railway lines can also expect minor delays because of a reduced speed limit under the bridge.

Ontrack project director Ted Calvert said cracks were discovered as part of rebuilding the bridge to accommodate the new Newmarket railway station and to provide sufficient clearance for electrification of the network.

"The bridge is 100 years old, has weak piers and is approaching the end of its working life.

"On the advice of our engineering staff and contractors, we [closed] the bridge as a precaution until we have had a closer inspection and extended the props we have been using to support the structure.

"The bridge is in no immediate danger but it is important that we take any signs of distress seriously and take action to protect road and rail users," Mr Calvert said.

Newmarket Business Association boss Cameron Brewer said the closure was the final straw for an area coping with multiple road works and a recession.

"Grafton Bridge is completely closed to traffic. Khyber Pass is partially closed, as is Park Rd. Kingdon St is fully closed. Disruption is imminent around Gillies Ave and Broadway with the $195 million, four-year motorway viaduct replacement," he said.

Mr Brewer said Remuera Rd was one of the busiest in Auckland. Not only did it carry customers and employees to Newmarket, but school traffic and traffic from the eastern suburbs to the city.

"What amazes me is after months of many men working under the bridge every day, the authorities have all of a sudden discovered it's unsafe... and with no warning this busy Auckland arterial road is suddenly closed in a mad panic until further notice," Mr Brewer said.