New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging motorists in Auckland to plan ahead and expect delays with an extended 14-hour full closure of the Southern Motorway (SH1) between Papakura and Drury this weekend from 7.30pm Saturday night (14 February) to 9.30am Sunday morning.

The closure is needed to allow for the demolition of the Bremner Road bridge over SH1 as part of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project - one of the Government’s Roads of Regional Significance intended to get our cities moving, save lives and boost productivity.

The existing bridge is being replaced to accommodate the additional motorway lanes being constructed as part of the Papakura to Drury project. The new bridge will take 3 years to rebuild due to the staging of construction on other elements of the project in the immediate vicinity.

During the overnight closure traffic will be detoured between Papakura and Drury in both directions along Beach Road and Great South Road.

The SH1 Papakura to Drury project, expected to be completed in August 2030, includes: Completing 3 lanes on SH1 in each direction between Papakura and Drury Interchanges. Relocating and lifting Drury Interchange (enabling rail electrification, futureproofing for additional rail lines and improved safety and access along Great South Road through the interchange). Building 6 new motorway bridges and roading approaches, and replacing 2 local road bridges. A new 4km shared walking and cycling path along the western side of the motorway and new walking and cycling paths on Great South Road under Drury Interchange Improved safety features, lighting and environmental outcomes.