Albany Expressway closed after tornado

The Albany Expressway (SH17) has been closed after a tornado ripped through the area earlier this afternoon.

Auckland Transport said in a statement that the expressway was closed at 4.30pm and that bus services have been affected by the closure.

The statement said the Hibiscus Coast services (R89) are travelling in and outbound via Oteha Valley Rd, while Ritchies services that normally service the university R555, 560 and 880 are bypassing the expressway.
Bus services along Kaipatiki Road, the R913 Northstar and R953 Birkenhead Transport have also been affected.

Auckland Transport said bus passengers and all motorists should expect delays due to the road closure and loss of bus services during peak hour. There are no delays to Northern Express Bus services, but train services have also been affected.

Auckland Transport said commuters should expect delays on the Western line as trains are running on 40km/h speed restrictions between Newmarket and Avondale.

- NZ Herald