The NZ Transport Agency says strong southwesterly winds in the Auckland region are making driving conditions difficult and it advises all road users to take extreme care.
Gusts of up to 81.5kph have been recorded on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and up to 70kph on the Mangere Bridge on the Southwestern Motorway (State Highway 20) – a main route to Auckland International Airport.
The wind has also brought down power lines in Warkworth, which is delaying SH1 traffic through the town.
The Transport Agency is advising motorcyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles to avoid the harbour bridge.
“Driving conditions will be difficult for everyone heading home from work tonight, especially on the harbour bridge which carries some of the city’s highest volumes of traffic,” says the Transport Agency’s National Journey Manager, Kathryn Musgrave. “People do need to take extreme care, and to be aware of the vehicles around them and any sudden movements due to the extreme weather.”
The Transport Agency is using its electronic signs on the motorway network to help keep drivers informed of conditions.
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