McClymonts Road Bridge
The new wider, longer McClymonts Road Bridge (right) opened to traffic last month and demolition of the old bridge (left) is about to start. Credit: © 2020 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZ Transport Agency) is set to demolish the old McClymonts Road Bridge over the next three months.

The bridge, located on the Northern Motorway (SH1), will be dismantled gradually over a series of nights starting next week.

A new longer and wider bridge has already been developed and opened at the site replacing the old structure.

The new bridge will facilitate connectivity between Pinehill and Albany, also enabling cyclist and pedestrian movement.

Additionally, the design of the new McClymonts Road Bridge will allow the motorway underneath to be widened with an extended Northern Busway, as well as shared walking and cycling path.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Senior Manager Project Delivery, Andrew Thackwray said: “We’re advising people to keep their eyes on the road and not be distracted if they’re heading to Albany Station or the business area in the morning peak times.”

The construction of the new bridge and demolition of the old one are part of the government’s Northern Corridor Improvements project.

The project involves upgrading transport infrastructure to benefit the whole Albany and North Harbour community.

The scope of works includes delivering a new motorway connection between SH1 and SH18 and improving access to the Western Ring Route and travel to the airport.

In April, NZ Transport Agency resumed state highway works in Waikato after the government relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions.