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Lanes on the Auckland Harbor Bridge will be closed Sunday morning ahead of a forecast wind change that could see gusts of up to 90km / h.
There are currently north wind gusts of up to 70km / h in Auckland, but the bridge is relatively protected.
However, Metservice forecasts a wind shift from north to west in the morning, which could bring winds of 80 km / h to 90 km / h.
RYAN ANDERSON / Stuff
Auckland Harbor Bridge: NZTA plans to close lanes ahead of strong gusts of wind.
“The wind change could bring a rapid change in the strength of the gusts, so as a precaution we will close one lane to the south and two lanes to the north on the bridge until the wind calms down,” said Neil Walker, Senior Travel Manager of Waka Kotahi NZ Transportation Agency. .
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“If the wind reaches 90 km / h as expected, we will close a second lane heading south.”
MetService also forecasts stronger wind gusts from the west up to 110km / h for a short time from 10.15am
“That could lead to the closure of all the bridge lanes until the wind dies down,” Walker said.
RYAN ANDERSON / Stuff
Motorists are urged to avoid traveling or seeking an alternate route while the lanes are closed.
Drivers, especially those on high-sided vehicles and motorcycles, are advised to avoid the bridge on Sunday morning and use the western ring route on SH16 and SH18.
“The Auckland Harbor Bridge is safe to use despite the damage caused to the superstructure last Friday. However, it is in a vulnerable state until we complete a permanent repair, so we want to do everything possible to protect the bridge and the people who use it, ”said Waka Kotahi.
“Safety is our priority and lane closures will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.”
