Update - Thursday 29 May:

Between 4pm today and 8pm today, there is the potential for wind gusts to reach 90 – 100 km/h on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. While these are expected to be brief, they could trigger a red alert. Under a red alert, we may close all lanes on the bridge as it is unsafe for any vehicle to be on the bridge and the bridge structure is vulnerable to vehicle impacts. We don’t take the decision to lower speeds, close lanes or close the bridge lightly. Our priority is the safety of road users and the bridge structure. 

From 8pm to midnight tonight an amber alert will remain in place with forecast wind gusts of 75-85 km/h. Under an amber alert, speed limits may be reduced and some lanes on the bridge may close. 

Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18. For up-to-date information about any restrictions on the bridge, please look out for the electronic message boards which indicate lane closures and reduced speeds and follow NZTA on Facebook and X.

28 May:

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging drivers to take extra care and be prepared for the possibility of short-notice lane closures or reduced speeds on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this evening (Wednesday 28 May).  

Oblique wind gusts of 90-95 km/h are forecast for the bridge between 8pm and 10pm tonight, triggering an amber alert. 

There is also an amber alert in place between 2pm and 7pm tomorrow (Thursday 29 May) with a low risk for a red alert.

The bridge will remain in 4x4 configuration during peak traffic tomorrow. However, under an amber alert, speed limits may be reduced and some lanes on the bridge may close. Under a red alert, we may close all lanes on the bridge.

We don’t take the decision to lower speeds, close lanes or close the bridge lightly. Our priority is the safety of road users and the bridge structure.

Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.

For up to date information about any restrictions on the bridge, please look out for the electronic message boards which indicate lane closures and reduced speeds and follow NZTA on Facebook and X.

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and understanding.