Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that a severe weather watch is in place for the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with strong winds and heavy rain forecast.
Heavy rain is expected this afternoon, reducing visibility mainly during afternoon peak traffic.
From around 11pm tonight to 6am Friday, wind gusts of 80-95km/h are forecast.
This is likely to cause congestion across the network and motorists should expect long delays and avoid non-essential travel.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.
Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions, look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures and reduced speeds, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge.
Waka Kotahi is working closely with Metservice to monitor wind speeds with maintenance crews out on the network ready to react and close lanes on the bridge if wind gusts exceed threshold levels. The safety of road users is our top priority and we won’t hesitate to reduce speeds, close lanes or close the bridge if necessary.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead by checking the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner(external link) or the Waka Kotahi Twitter account(external link) before heading out.
Waka Kotahi thanks road users for their patience when we are forced to close the bridge to keep everyone safe during a wind event.
The closure is reduced to southbound lanes between Onewa Road and the bridge. The Onewa southbound on-ramp will also be closed. A signposted detour will be in place.
No works will take place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge or between the bridge and Fanshawe Street.
Information on weather warnings is available from Metservice.
