Roadworks stopping for the Christmas rush

Festive city: Christmas decorations brighten up the CBD.

From City Scene, published on 14 December, 2008

With excellent Christmas shopping on offer, as well as award-winning surroundings, Queen Street and the CBD are fantastic shopping destinations this festive season.

Queen Street – which last month was recognised for excellence in design at the Auckland Architecture Awards, for its new planting, paving and street furniture – is now decorated for Christmas.

Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of the Link Bus service and busses and trains to the Britomart Transport Centre, as roadworks in the area may cause some delays for motorists.

"All the work we're getting on with is part of a city-wide roading programme that will meet the needs of our growing city," says Councillor Ken Baguley chairperson of the Transport Committee.

"However we will stop work on major road projects between 13 and 25 December for the Christmas rush, but people can expect traffic delays until late 2009 due to major infrastructure projects that need to be worked on while the weather is fine.

"People can leave the car at home, take a train or bus into Britomart and check out Queen Street and the action down at the Viaduct."

The council is working closely with contractors to try and improve traffic flow while roadworks are taking place.

Traffic "hot spots" are being monitored by people on the ground and via closed-circuit television links. Traffic light signals have been adjusted, as well as traffic management plans. There are also regular live updates for motorists on the radio via the Time Saver Traffic network.

Roadworks are currently affecting traffic flow on Symonds Street, Park Road, Khyber Pass and Carlton Gore roads and Quay and Lower Albert streets. Grafton Bridge is also closed to traffic until early 2010.

City commuters should factor in delays to journey times or use public transport where possible. Visit www.maxx.co.nz for more information.

For even more shops and a different Christmas buzz, Newmarket is just eight minutes by train from Britomart or a quick ride on the Link Bus from the CBD. Newmarket's streetscapes have also been upgraded, making for an improved Christmas shopping experience.