SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre fire: Roads partially reopen but commuters warned to expect delays
Monday, 28 October 2019
Central city roads have partially reopened around SkyCity's New Zealand International Convention Centre following last week's major fire in downtown Auckland – but the CBD remains heavily congested.
A major blaze broke out at the convention centre shortly after 1pm last Tuesday. On Monday, three fire crews remained on the scene in 'recovery mode' and a number of roads remained closed.
Some roads partially reopened on Tuesday to help Auckland Transport reduce congestion and disruption for the upcoming week - here's what you need to know:
All buses return to their normal routes from first service on Tuesday morning.
Victoria St is open as normal for motorists, buses, bikes and pedestrians.
Wellesley St is open to buses only between Nelson St and Hobson St – a crane will still be in use in the area.
Nelson St is open with two lanes on the left-hand side, including the cycleway and footpath.
- Hobson St has also reopened with only two lanes on the left-hand side, including the bus lane and footpath.
**READ MORE:
* Auckland District Court closed due to air quality issues
* Auckland commuters, here's what you need to know
* SkyCity fire 'absolutely devastating': fire tore through almost finished convention centre
* SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre blaze: Flames could continue through Thursday evening
* SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre fire: Video shot inside shows roof destroyed**
By 9am, the roads surrounding the CBD as far as Albert and Victoria Parks, Britomart and beyond Aotea Square, were clogged.
AT said while roads were beginning to reopen, there would still be significant delays for those driving and urged people to plan their journey ahead of time and if possible, travel before or after peak traffic times.
AT asked commuters to consider taking public transport, carpooling or walking and cycling to help reduce congestion.
Auckland District Court, Chorus House and Swanson House will resume normal service on Tuesday after being forced to shut after the fire, acting chief executive Carl Crafar said.
Air filter systems have been cleaned, interiors of all the buildings as well as checks on computer systems have been completed to ensure the environment is safe for staff, the judiciary and court participants to return.
Court participants concerned about their case can call 0800 COURTS for more information.
Organisers of New Zealand's first international medicinal cannabis summit, MedCan 2020, confirmed the event would still take place at SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre on 18 and 19 March next year.
Prospective participants and international speakers had contacted BioTechNZ concerned the fire had forced the two-day landmark event to be postponed or cancelled.
Dr Zahra Champion, Executive Director of BioTechNZ and spokesperson for MedCan 2020, said there had been confusion with which building was affected by the fire.
Dr Champion said categorically the event would still be held at SkyCity’s convention centre, not the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) where the fire broke out.
Meanwhile, Unite union has maked no apologies for demanding assurances and proof, in writing, that the SkyCity workplace is safe.
The union were concerned the decision to reopen parts of the site on Thursday appeared to have been taken before the fire was even fully out.