Bridge strike closes section of Auckland's Northwestern Motorway

The NZ Transport Agency says the Royal Road overbridge and a section of the Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) motorway has been closed after the overbridge was hit by the boom of a crane being transported on a truck.

The NZTA’s Traffic Operations Manager, Kathryn Musgrave, says the crash is causing severe disruption, particularly on the local road network.

“Our engineers are currently making a structural inspection of the overbridge so that we have a clearer idea of the extent of damage,” says Mrs Musgrave.

The citybound lanes of the Northwestern Motorway are closed from the Brigham Creek roundabout and the Hobsonville Road on-ramp, and SH18 from the Hobsonville off-ramp. The Royal Road overbridge is also closed. Westbound lanes on the motorway are not affected, and remain open.

“Roads will not be re-opened until we are satisfied that the damage to the overbridge will not affect the safety of drivers,” Mrs Musgrave says.  “People should use alternative routes and allow more time for their travel.”