A section of Auckland's Southern Motorway will close in both directions for 14 hours tonight while an overbridge is being demolished.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said all lanes between Papakura and Drury will close from 7.30pm on Saturday until 9.30am on Sunday.
The closure may impact some Chiefs supporters returning to the Waikato after the Super Rugby Pacific match with the Blues at Eden Park, scheduled to kick off at 7.05pm.
The 4km closure allowed for the demolition of the Bremner Rd bridge over State Highway 1 with NZTA directing motorists to plan ahead and expect delays, with traffic detoured between Papakura and Drury in both directions along Beach Rd and Great South Rd.
"The existing bridge is being replaced to accommodate the additional motorway lanes being constructed as part of the Papakura to Drury project," NZTA said.
"The new bridge will take three years to rebuild because of the staging of construction on other elements of the project in the immediate vicinity."
The project, expected to be completed in August 2030, included completing three lanes in each direction between Papakura and Drury Interchanges, relocating and lifting Drury Interchange to enable rail electrification, futureproofing for extra rail lines, and improved safety and access along Great South Rd.
Six new motorway bridges and roading approaches were to be constructed, with two local road bridges to be replaced as part of the project.
Other improvements were a new 4km shared walking and cycling path on Great South Rd under the Drury Interchange with improved safety features, lighting, and environmental outcomes.
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