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The Auckland Harbour Bridge is likely to be closed tomorrow afternoon. File photo Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is likely to be closed tomorrow afternoon because of forecast 110km/h gales, says Waka Kotahi NZTA.
Meanwhile, SH1 is due to re-open this evening after a slip with 30 truckloads worth of material blocked the road as more wild weather hits Auckland.
A Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency spokesperson told the NZ Herald that tomorrow the Harbour Bridge would be under a red alert from 12pm to 9pm, as wind gusts of 90 to 100km/h are forecast, possibly reaching up to 110 km/h.
Under a red alert, all lanes on the bridge are closed. However the spokesperson clarified that the bridge would only be closed if the winds exceeded 100km/h.
From 4am to 7am tomorrow, the bridge will be back under an amber alert, with wind gusts of 75 to 80km/h forecast.
Under an amber alert, speeds are reduced and some lanes on the bridge may close.
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Several lanes were closed and speed reductions are in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge as severe gales gust over the city today.
High-sided vehicles, like trucks, and light vehicles and motorbikes are being advised to detour via the Western Ring Route (SH16/18).
UPDATE - 3:25PM
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) July 2, 2023
All lanes are now open however speed restrictions remain. Motorcycles and high-sided vehicles are advised to consider using the Western Ring Route (SH16/18) at this time. ^EH https://t.co/T3p7rdR6M1 pic.twitter.com/lGgpLVxsph
Further north, the slip in Dome Valley blocking SH1 between Warkworth and Wellsford has finally been cleared after crews worked tirelessly over the weekend to clear it.
Waka Kotahi made the announcement on social media this afternoon, explaining the road will be re-opening in both directions at approximately 7pm tonight.
The crews were building a 40-metre debris wall to prevent future loose material from falling on to the road.
Jacqui Hori-Hoult, regional manager of maintenance and operations, says a huge effort from crews has meant the road is able to re-open for traffic more quickly than what was anticipated.
"Our teams worked from the early morning deep into the night, meaning the debris wall has been constructed well ahead of schedule," Hori-Hoult said.
"With both lanes closed, we were able to get large and heavy machinery in to be able to construct the wall faster.
"There were 22 holes drilled into rock for the beams, with 500 timber inserts prepared and installed between these beams.
"We also took advantage of the road closure by cleaning drains and removing debris from the roadside, which is very difficult to do when there is live traffic."
Although the road has re-opened, Hori-Hoult is advising drivers to adhere to the 50km/h speed limit in place and to drive with care.
* This story first was first published on The New Zealand Herald's website
