Rain slows resealing on bridge

Bad weather has extended disruptive roadworks on the Auckland Harbour Bridge until at least tomorrow night.

Resealing work, which has closed the two southbound clip-on lanes since the beginning of last week, was to have been completed by last night.

Transit New Zealand says persistent rain prevented it from applying a new lower-maintenance polyurethane surface in time, meaning extra delays for motorists.

These have been compounded by closures of the key motorway exit to Fanshawe St, to allow electricity grid operator Transpower to dig ducting cables along the middle of that road.

The traffic at this time of year is much lighter than normal, but Transit regional asset manager Hilton Netterville acknowledges that the delays are adding about 20 minutes to trips from the North Shore to central Auckland.

But he hopes to have the bridge back to normal by 10pm tomorrow, weather permitting, in time for a large increase in commuter traffic on Wednesday morning as many holidaymakers return to work.

There will be more disruption over five nights next week, from January 9, with the closure of the two outside lanes from the bridge to the Victoria Park flyover for resealing.