text: The Canada Street Bridge which will form an important link in Auckland’s cycle network is starting to take shape within the city’s Central Motorway Junction.
  The first and largest of seven sections of the bridge was placed into position over State Highway 1 overnight (Wednesday 9 September).
  The NZ Transport Agency’s State Highways Manager, Brett Gliddon says a crane and large team of workers were involved in the delicate operation to position the huge section precisely into place so the other pieces of the bridge can fit in around it.
  “The bridge has certainly captured Auckland’s imagination and it’s great to see the excitement and enthusiasm for the wider Nelson Street Cycleway project building.”
  “The Canada Street Bridge will not only be a beautifully designed piece of engineering that will become a statement structure within the city’s skyline, it’s also a vital link in creating our shared vision for developing world-class cycling infrastructure and making cycling a safe and viable transport option.”
  “We’re not only providing great cycling links, we’re building something beautiful for the people of Auckland and its visitors to enjoy.”
  The Canada Street Bridge was built in sections, which vary in length from 14 to 42 metres, in Hamilton before being transported to the CMJ. Further sections will be installed in stages.
  A timelapse video of the factory construction of the bridge as well as the installation sequence is available on our website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/nelson-street-cycleway/videos/(external link)
  When fully erected the Canada St Bridge will span 160m and will weigh 260 tonnes. It will connect Canada St with the old Nelson St off-ramp by crossing the Central Motorway Junction. The Nelson St Cycleway, connects the Northwestern Cycleway, Grafton Gully and the waterfront.
  Phase 1 of the Nelson Street Cycleway from Upper Queen Street to Victoria Street West is expected to be completed in December. Phase 2, from Victoria St West to Quay Street and a section on Pitt St, is now open for public consultation. More information is available at www.at.govt.nz(external link).
  The Nelson Street Cycleway is being funded through the Urban Cycleways Programme (UCP) and is being jointly delivered by the NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. The UCP will accelerate key projects over the next three years and help establish cycling as an integral part of Auckland’s transport network. For more information on the project www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/nelson-street-cycleway/(external link)
  Further motorway closures including 9 -13 September and early October will be necessary. The NZ Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience while we safely transport and install the bridge.
  Full southbound motorway closures from Cook St off-ramp to Symonds St on-ramp 10pm to 5am: