KEY POINTS:
The mayor for North Shore City is renewing calls for a second harbour crossing after damage to an overbridge caused massive traffic delays yesterday.
A truck carrying a digger hit the old overbridge at the Esmonde Rd interchange yesterday, causing long traffic queues for motorists heading south over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Crews worked around the clock last night to demolish the damaged span of the bridge.
NZ Transport Agency acting regional manager Tommy Parker said crews had completed the work ahead of schedule and all motorway lanes had been opened to traffic.
"Whilst the bridge was completely safe for traffic to travel under, we decided the safest option was to remove the damaged span as quickly as possible."
Mr Parker thanked motorists for their ongoing co-operation and patience while the demolition was carried out.
"To ensure incidents such as this don't happen again, we ask that heavy haulage please check all loads are below the legal height of 4.25m."
But North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams says the incident caused unnecessary havoc across the region and more action is needed towards building an alternative route.
"North Shore City has been asking for a number of years now to move ahead with another harbour crossing. It is now imperative to move ahead and fast."
Mr Williams says a tunnel is one option which has been investigated in the past.
He also wants signalling systems installed throughout Auckland's motorway system, which would warn trucks in advance if their load is too high for the vehicle to safely get under bridges.
Traffic was heavy heading towards Auckland City on the Northern Motorway this morning, but was expected to clear quickly now the lanes were open.
Demolition of the bridge's remaining spans will take place during overnight closures over the next few weeks.
- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB
