Severe weather could close Auckland Harbour Bridge

Annette Lambly-Robinson Reporter from Whangārei Leader

And in case you have plans to travel through Auckland!

The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to plan ahead now for the possible closure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge if wind levels become strong later today.

Alternative routes between the city and North Shore will be via State Highway 16 and 18.

Auckland Highway Manager Brett Gliddon says closing the bridge would be unprecedented but if predicted winds of between 130-160km/h eventuate travel on the Harbour Bridge would be dangerous.

“Closing the bridge is not a decision we will take lightly because it will have a significant impact on traffic flows throughout the city, however our first priority is safety and that’s what will determine any closure,” says Mr Gliddon.

“If the bridge is closed to traffic this will have a flow-on effect across the rest of the motorway and local road network, so motorists should expect long delays, and avoid travelling if they don’t need to.”