Lane changes and closures because of ongoing Eastern Busway construction works are happening this weekend at Pakūranga.

Auckland Transport says the development includes introducing a new exit from the South-Eastern Highway.

AT says from next Monday, October 14, the South-Eastern Highway layout near Pakūranga will change.

“That’s when a new exit from the highway becomes operational, and construction continues on a nearby pier for Rā Hihi / the Reeves Road Flyover,” AT says.

To prepare for the roading changes, AT says on the weekend of Friday to Monday, October 11-14, traffic using the Waipuna Bridge will be reduced to one lane in both directions.

The weekend work dates are from 9pm on Friday to 5am on Monday, but that is weather-dependent, AT says.

Phase one of lane and footpath layout changes:

From 9pm on October 11 until Sunday evening, traffic will be directed into a contraflow system between Waipuna Bridge and Pakūranga on the South-Eastern Highway.

There will be one lane in each direction, AT says.

From 9pm on October 11, pedestrian footpath access between Mattson Road and Palm Avenue will be closed while work is ongoing.

A detour will be in place for motorists along Tī Rākau Drive from Pakūranga to Botany.

They will be diverted around Cortina Place.

Phase two: From Sunday evening to Monday morning, between 2am and 4am, the South-Eastern Highway eastbound lanes will be closed.

The alternative route is via Panmure. Detour signs will be in place, AT says.

Phase three: From 5am on Monday, the new South-Eastern Highway Pakūranga-bound lanes will open to traffic.

From October 14, Pakūranga-bound lanes will be reduced to two turning right with new exit lanes.

The two left turning lanes will remain in place.

The contingency dates are Friday to Monday, October 18-21.

“Pakūranga town centre businesses will be open and access to them will be available from Pakūranga Road, Tī Rākau Drive and Cortina Place,” says AT.

“A team of ambassadors will guide pedestrians for a week from October 11, while they adapt to the footpath changes between Mattson Road and Palm Avenue.

“We thank the community for their patience while we build the Eastern Busway,” AT says.