Drivers face delays over damaged bridge
The NZTA is urging motorists and freight operators in Auckland to plan their travel options to avoid major delays caused by the closure of four lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Two trucks were blown over by 127kph wind gusts on September 18 causing significant damage to the landmark structure.
Since then congestion has been heavy on the bridge and the surrounding state highways and local roads.
Neil Walker, senior journey manager at the NZTA, says a temporary fix to re-open lanes may be possible in a few days but a permanent repair is likely to take weeks.
“We’re working on both and working as quickly as we can,” he explains.
“While the Auckland Harbour Bridge is at half its usual capacity there are also significant knock-on effects across the transport network, with additional vehicles now switching to the Western Ring Route.
“We ask people to consider working from home if possible or using public transport instead of taking the car. If you must travel, avoid peak times in the morning and evening and allow extra time for your journey.
“Heavy congestion and delays are expected on both sides of the bridge as well as other state highways and local roads."
“We are really seeing the benefits of having a high quality alternative route to the Auckland Harbour Bridge via the Western Ring Route and SH16, SH18 and SH20 and are strongly encouraging those who do have to travel especially heavy and freight vehicles to use this route.”
The Northern Busway will be operating and buses are safe to use the clip-on lanes.
As part of the repairs to reopen the centre lanes of the bridge, a team of nine engineers is working on removing and replacing a strut that weighs about four tonnes and is 22.7-metres long.
The NZTA says while the damaged strut is important to the structure, there is no risk to the structural integrity or overall safety of the Harbour Bridge. The north and southbound clip-on lanes are safe to use as they have their own supporting structure.
“We thank motorists for their ongoing patience with the inconvenience and disruption caused by the lanes closure,” adds Walker. “We’re working to ensure the bridge can be back in operation as quickly as possible.”
On average, more than 170,000 vehicles cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge on weekdays, with the configuration of the eight lanes changed four times a day to adjust to peak time traffic flows.
With the four centre span lanes closed, there will be just two clip-on lanes in each direction.
For the latest travel information, visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
