Auckland transport authorities are warning motorists of the possibility of very heavy traffic from now as holiday traffic coincides with disruption caused by closures of lanes on the damaged Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Traffic is starting to build on Auckland's Northern Motorway from Esmonde Rd. Photo: NZTA
In a statement, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency general manager Brett Gliddon says he expected traffic would be building from midday.
"Friday usually has the busiest afternoon peak period of the week as people finish work early or head off for the weekend. The evening peak usually starts around 2.30pm but we expect today it will be earlier and heavier."
"While we have reinstated two lanes, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is still not fully operational with only three lanes in each direction. Congestion and delays are likely on arterials and local roads as well as the motorways. We advise people going on holiday to consider delaying their journey until after the evening peak or even waiting until tomorrow morning."
Those who must travel today should allow extra time and consider using the Western Ring Route via SH16 and SH18 as an alternative to SH1 and the bridge.
"If you are going from the North Shore or western suburbs to the airport, allow plenty of time in case there's congestion on the motorways," Gliddon said.
The bridge operations team is preparing for heavy rain and strong winds forecast for Sunday, including putting sandbags and weights on temporary road cones along the bridge route.
The transport agency says, if necessary, it will reduce speeds on the bridge, close lanes, or even shut the entire bridge.
Lanes on the bridge have been closed since last Friday when a 127 km/h wind gust blew a truck into a load-bearing strut, causing massive traffic delays.
Two reopened on Wednesday after a temporary repair to the damaged strut but two of the eight lanes are still closed.
No-go zone for truckies
Truck drivers have been asked not to use the Auckland Harbour Bridge until there is a permanent repair, which is likely weeks away.
The transport agency says traffic flows on the bridge need to be managed carefully because the bridge is still in a "more compromised state than usual".
A spokesperson said the agency is recommending all trucks use the Western Ring Route until there is a permanent repair on the bridge.
It has also revoked all permits for vehicles over 50 tonne to cross the bridge.
