Riverside Expressway re-opens

The Riverside Expressway will re-open to traffic around 11pm tonight after comprehensive engineering tests revealed it is safe to do so.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said he had received reports from independent experts and his department at 8:30pm advising the Ann and Alice Street ramps were structurally safe in their present state.

“I was briefed by the Main Roads Director General and his chief engineer, and Main Roads then began preparations to re-open the expressway,” Mr Lucas said.

“Both reports said that Alice and Ann Street ramps should remain closed pending further assessment and remedial work. However, without cars using them, they said “it is safe to reopen the northbound and southbound carriageways of the Riverside Expressway and North Quay”.

Premier Peter Beattie thanked motorists and public transport users for their patience and co-operation over the last few days.

Mr Lucas said the reports’ authors had relied on detailed inspections of the Ann Street and Alice Street ramps, recorded data and stress testing to support their recommendations.

“I have said all along that Main Roads needed to be 100% sure before any section of this road was re-opened. I am now satisfied that they are,” Mr Lucas said.

“I also want to thank motorists for their patience. The opening of the expressway is an important first step.

“I will now await advice from Main Roads on what needs to be done to the Alice Street and Ann Street ramps, and how long they think this may take.”

Mr Lucas said further details of the re-opening would be made available in the morning.