Aucklanders warned of hurricane force winds tomorrow, Auckland Harbor Bridge will be closed if necessary

Motorcyclists and high-sided vehicle drivers have been urged to completely avoid the Auckland Harbor Bridge tomorrow as hurricane force winds are expected to hit the city.

Metservice forecasts heavy rains and northeast winds that can approach strong gales at times to howl through the city as early as 8 a.m.

“The forecast in the bridge area is for gusting winds of 80-90 km / h in the morning between 8 am and 1 pm,” says Transportation Agency Waka Kotahi NZ.

“From 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, it forecasts winds of up to 100 km / h, before dropping to 80-90 km / h.”

High-sided vehicle drivers and motorcyclists are urged to use the western ring on state highways 16 and 18 tomorrow, and motorists are warned that the bridge will be closed if necessary.

“We advise motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their trips. Drive according to conditions, stay within your lane when crossing the bridge and stay within the speed limit,” said Andrea Williamson, Auckland system manager.

“Safety is our priority and we will not hesitate to close the bridge if necessary.

“Waka Kotahi will closely monitor the changing weather conditions with Metservice and provide updates on social media and our Journey Planner.”

Less than two months ago, a bizarre 127 km / h gust of wind blew up a truck, forcing it to hit a critical load strut and causing the bridge to close.

The damage caused chaos among the travelers, paralyzing the city.

Motorists had been forced to use alternate routes, often taking two hours to get to one side of town from the other on rush hour trips after the bridge was reduced to six lanes for more than fifteen days.