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Update: Strong wind gusts impacting Auckland Harbour Bridge

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 31 Aug 2025 3:22pm | Auckland

3:22pm update

Correction to the Traffic Bulletin below: MetService has issued an Orange strong wind warning for the Auckland region today, not a red alert.

Reduced speeds and lane restrictions remain in place for the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The bridge has been closed for short periods intermittently today due to severe wind gusts, and more closures are expected.

11:12am 

High winds are effecting travel over the Auckland Harbour Bridge today. The bridge was closed earlier today for a period of 8 – 10 minutes due to strong wind gusts.

MetService advises a RED alert to midnight tonight, which may force lane closures and additional short periods of full closure to ensure safety. The most frequent closures are expected between 5pm and 9pm this evening.

Motorist are advised to drive to the conditions and pay attention to electronic message boards on the motorway, which will advise of lane closures and reduced speed limits as required.

With strong winds predicted, 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.

Auckland Transport (AT) advises that buses that cross the harbour bridge may be delayed, cancelled, or detoured intermittently throughout the day. Check the AT Mobile app for delays or cancellations to buses and the NZTA highway conditions page to see if the bridge is open or closed.

Keeping road users safe and protecting the bridge are a priority. Decisions to lower speeds, close lanes, or close are carefully considered.

Here’s a short video explaining why closures are sometimes needed:

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will continue to work closely with Metservice to monitor conditions and ensure decisions are based on up-to-date and accurate information on predicted and current wind speeds.

Drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel: