The NZ Transport Agency advises that care is needed for all Auckland drivers this weekend as unusually high tides in the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours coincide with weather forecasts predicting heavy rain and strong winds.
High tides of up to 3.4m are expected from today, (Thursday, 16 June) until next Monday (20 June0...
"The high tides do not normally pose a significant risk to the safe operation of Auckland's motorways, but as they coincide with the storm we would ask drivers to take extra care, especially when they travel on sections of the network close to the harbours," says the NZTA's State Highways Manager for Auckland, Tommy Parker.
The area most likely to be affected is the highway and adjoining cycleway on the Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) between the Patiki Road Interchange and the Rosebank Road Bridges.
Mr parker says the NZTA and its contractors will be monitoring conditions, and traffic will be diverted to local roads if sections of the motorway network have to be closed because there is a risk to people's safety.
"When the tides peak the cycleway in this area will definitely be underwater, and we are asking cyclists to try to avoid using it 1.5 hours either side of high tide," says Mr Parker. "We would also ask drivers to take care and drive to the conditions for a safe journey."
The NZTA is planning to raise the Northwestern causeway by 1.5 metres and increase the width of the motorway to provide extra lanes as part of the project to complete construction of the Western Ring Route, the motorway alternative to SH1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
For more information on tide times, alternative routes or planned detours and closures please contact NZTA Auckland Motorways on 09 5200 200, email help@ama.nzta.govt.nz or visit www.aucklandmotorways.com(external link).
