Planners hope to avoid gridlock at latest Sylvia Park opening

Auckland road planners hope a supermarket opening at Sylvia Park tomorrow will not result in the traffic snarl-up that marred the first opening of the mall.

The Southern Motorway was gridlocked and two motorway off-ramps were closed around suburban Mt Wellington when the first stage of the complex opened on June 8. Auckland City Council transport operations manager Barry Williams said anyone planning to visit the Pak 'N Save supermarket when it opens should plan their journey to help avoid gridlock.

"It's unrealistic to think there will be no congestion around the complex on special event-type days such as openings," he said. "The new Pak 'N Save is likely to entice people with some opening offers and there is a general buzz about the new retail destination which will attract additional people there for the opening day."

He said motorists should think about avoiding the Mt Wellington off-ramp and use Carbine Rd. Entrances three and five were the best for motorists, though he suggested shoppers use buses.

Sylvia Park has remained busy since it first opened but traffic has reduced to manageable levels, he said.

Mr Williams said traffic monitoring continued and work was being done to fast-track the opening of a rail station by the mall. Fifty-seven shops opened in June, and another 180 more are due to open later this year.

The complex is due to be completed next year.

The 24ha mall has 3000 carparks, more than any other mall in the country.

- NZPA