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Parts of the Auckland Harbor Bridge could be out of service for several weeks after it was damaged today when strong gusts of wind wreaked havoc on two trucks.
There is still heavy traffic congestion affecting Auckland’s motorways as structural engineers continue to assess the damage to the Harbor Bridge caused by two truck accidents today.
If you are planning to go out on the Akl Mwy network this afternoon, consider delaying any unnecessary travel as HUGE congestion affects all motorways, following a major accident on the Akl Harbor Bridge. Remember to be patient, if you are stuck #FridayTraffic. ^ MF pic.twitter.com/RRURGISJzY
– NZTA Auckland and Northland One Boat (@UnitAkNth) September 18, 2020
In a statement issued late this afternoon, the NZTA warned Auckland motorists that there will be “a significant reduction in bridge capacity over several days and possibly up to several weeks.”
Just after 11 a.m. today, a southbound shipping container truck was thrown sideways by wind gusts of up to 127 km / h and struck the bridge’s superstructure.
As the truck straightened and drove on, a steel stud was sheared off, said Waka Kotahi senior travel manager Neil Walker.
“Our first assessment of the structural damage is that a permanent repair will be a long-term process and the four lanes along the central span of the bridge will be closed to traffic for at least several days and possibly weeks.
“Congestion on the road network is inevitable as we assess the damage and necessary repairs. Waka Kotahi advises clients to consider working from home and, if they need to travel to and from the CBD, consider alternative travel options such take public transportation, including the Northern Busway which is not affected. “
Heavy traffic flows north from Auckland City after an accident on the Harbor Bridge caused lane closures.
Photo: RNZ / Katie Fitzgerald
Motorists have been urged to travel along the western ring route (SH20, SH16 and SH18) around the port, if possible.
“We are looking at whether we can make a temporary repair, but we won’t know if it is possible until we investigate further over the weekend. While part of the bridge structure has been damaged, we have no concerns about its overall integrity and safety.”
More than 170,000 vehicles cross the Auckland Harbor Bridge during the week. With the four center lanes closed, there will only be two lanes in each direction.
Walker said the clip on the north and south lanes are safe to use as they have their own support structure.
“Waka Kotahi understands that this will cause inconvenience and disruption and thanks the motorists for their patience. We are working to ensure that the bridge can be operational again as soon as possible.”
In a second collision caused by the gusts of wind, another truck rolled, blocking traffic in both directions as it crossed two lanes and got stuck in a lane barrier.
Both directions of traffic in the middle of the bridge were affected by the accident.
A police spokesman said no one was injured in the crashes and that the wind was a likely cause.
The truck rolled sideways, blocking two lanes.
Photo: NZTA
Wind gusts of 127 km / h on the bridge ‘something very strange’
The rolling truck was hit by a gust of wind rarely once in a decade, says MetService.
Communications meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the wind was blowing at just over 60 km / h when it suddenly doubled to 120 km / h in a matter of minutes.
“They doubled their strength when that front passed through the Harbor Bridge, but after about five minutes after that, the wind died down when it turned to the southwest,” he said.
“It’s a very rare occurrence. In the past 10 years, the Harbor Bridge has only recorded comparable speeds once.”
Ferris said the worst of the wild weather is over and high winds are not expected over the weekend.
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