City streets reopen but delays still expected
Good news for the majority of Aucklanders returning to work today in the CBD — you won't have to put up with too many road closures and the SkyCity underground car park is reopening.
Fire crews are largely gone following last week’s massive blaze at SkyCity’s new convention centre. As a result, Auckland Transport says all buses will return to their normal routes from first thing this morning and most roads around the fire-struck area will reopen.
However, delays are still to be expected.
Victoria St is open as normal for motorists, buses, bikes and pedestrians. Work on Wellesley St continues with a crane still operating, which means there is limited space. For now, the road will be open to buses only between Nelson St and Hobson St to ensure bus routes can return to normal, AT says.
Nelson and Hobson Sts will reopen to two lanes, which includes the cycleway and footpath on Nelson St.
Though traffic will start to get back to normal, AT warns there will still be significant delays for those driving. They recommend people allow for extra time and if possible, travel before or after peak traffic times.
Taking public transport, carpooling or walking and cycling will also help reduce congestion.
The move comes as a small crew of firefighters continue to carry out work at the affected building almost a week since the blaze broke out and caused havoc in downtown Auckland.
AT said while most of the fire was out, there was still work to do — dampening hotspots and carrying out structural work.
A northern fire communications spokesman said two fire trucks and a fire commander remained at the site. Fewer than 10 firefighters were still working at the scene — with the work now considered to be in “recovery” mode, the spokesman said.