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School holiday traffic is expected to affect northbound traffic on the Auckland Harbor Bridge from noon on Friday.
On September 18, sudden strong gusts brought down two trucks as they crossed the bridge.
One of the trucks hit the bridge, causing serious damage. A temporary repair has been made to the bridge, but one lane in each direction remains closed.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
The New Zealand Transport Agency has given advice to people leaving Auckland for the school holidays.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said that with the start of the school holidays, northbound traffic leaving Auckland is expected to have an impact on congestion on the bridge.
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People are asked to plan ahead to avoid peak periods and allow additional time for travel.
Transportation services general manager Brett Gliddon said Friday typically has the busiest period in the afternoon, with people finishing work early or leaving on the weekend.
“The afternoon peak usually starts around 2.30pm, but we expect today to be earlier and heavier, and traffic will start to pile up at noon.”
Gliddon stressed that the bridge is not yet fully operational.
“There is likely to be congestion and delays on local arteries and roads, as well as highways. We advise people going on vacation to consider delaying their trip until after the evening rush or even waiting until tomorrow morning.
“If you must travel today, plan ahead, allow additional time, and consider using the western ring route via SH16 and SH18 as an alternative to SH1 and the bridge. Use the online travel planning apps to check the fastest and least congested route before you leave home. “
It occurs when Auckland residents are asked to take their alert level with them on their school holiday adventures.
On social media, the government said it “strongly encourages[s]Aucklanders leaving town to take their alert level and accompanying restrictions.
This included avoiding meetings with more than 100 people and wearing masks on public transport.
“Face covers are required on all interregional public transport trips to, from and through the Auckland region. This includes interregional flights, buses or trains.
“Stay home and don’t travel if you are sick. If you are sick, call your doctor or Healthline for advice on getting tested. Get tested if asked. “
How did the damage to the harbor bridge occur?
At around 11 a.m. on Sept. 18, sudden, strong gusts toppled two trucks as they crossed the bridge, said NZTA Transportation Services General Manager Brett Gliddon.
One was at the top of the bridge when it was knocked down by a gust and crashed into a steel beam, twisting the metal and cutting it where it connected to the bridge below the road surface.
Gliddon said the wind was acceptable at 60km / h before it shot out to a 127km / h gust before subsiding again.
“We were hit by an absolutely monstrous gust of wind that caught a truck that was right at the top of the bridge. That’s really difficult to design. “
