Road users should expect the weather may impact travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge this week, with high winds forecast between 9pm tonight and 9am Friday (27 March).

The strongest wind is expected to hit from 8am tomorrow Thursday (26 March) through to 1am Friday (27 March) with some gusts reaching up to 120km/h.

This will have a significant impact on travel over the bridge as well as on the wider network, as high winds may force lane closures with short periods of full closure likely to ensure safety.

Friday morning travel may also be effected through to 9am.  

With the level of 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.

All drivers are reminded to drive to the conditions and pay attention to electronic message boards on the motorway, which will advise of any lane closures and speed limit reductions.