Workers flat out to finish roadworks before students return to class

Drivers have to do their best to cope with the roadworks. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Negotiating Auckland's streets remains a challenge as councils and contractors race to complete roading projects before the end of the month, when schools and tertiary institutions reopen.

Even projects such as footpath repairs hold up traffic. Motorists are warned that kerb and channel work in Pah Rd, for example, can delay trips to the airport.

But commuters tend to take larger projects more in their stride. Construction of the Victoria Park Tunnel and improvements to Sandringham Rd in time for the Rugby World Cup next year seem to be less of an irritant to most motorists. Councils say you should give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

Some of the roadworks this month:

* Princes St, CBD. Road closed between Wellesley St East and Alfred St until January 27. Kerb, drainage and road rehabilitation works.

* St Marks Rd, Remuera. Closed until Sunday week for bridge replacement.

* Upper Queen St from Mayoral Drive to Alex Evans St. Day works with lane closures until January 29. Work on behalf of Vector.

* Beach Rd from Constitution Hill to Tangihua St to Quay St and Plumer St. Day works until February 7. Work on behalf of Vector.

* Council footpath upgrades throughout the CBD being done day and night.

* Manukau Rd from Mt Smart Rd to Trafalgar St. Footpath upgrade until January 30.

* Ian McKinnon Drive and Piwakawaka St intersection. Minor safety works for council until February 12.

* Mt Eden Rd between Disraeli St and Valley Rd. Resealing work at night until Saturday.

* Gillies Ave night works until Friday.

* Pah Rd between Mt Albert Rd and Trafalgar St. Day and night works until Sunday week. Kerb and channel works.

* Southeastern Arterial. SH1 to Carbine Rd until January 31. All night work.

* Victoria St from Nelson St to Hardinge St. Day works until February 7. Works on behalf of Vector.

* Sandringham Rd between Onslow Rd and Burnley Tce. Road widening, trenching work for undergrounding utilities. Some delays. Until 2011.

* Numerous works in the Victoria St West area for the Victoria Park Tunnel project. Basically from Victoria St at the intersection of Halsey St to the end of Curran St will be a continuous work site. A new water main being installed down Jervois Rd and Curran St.

* Harris Rd and John St, Pukekohe. Until February 5, for construction of a roundabout.

* Te Atatu Rd, Waitakere City. Until mid-February, for pavement and road repairs.

HOLDUPS
* Most projects will be completed by the end of the month.
* Some projects, such as the Victoria Park Tunnel and Sandringham Rd, will not be completed until next year or later.
* Some Harbour Bridge lanes have been narrowed during preliminary work on the tunnel, and speed is restricted.
* Local councils can provide details of roadworks in their area.