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Traffic is already starting to build around Auckland before Ed Sheeran’s concert at Go Media Stadium tonight.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has shown that an hour before gates open for the show, a journey from Bombay to the city is taking about 90 minutes as opposed to theusual half hour.
A journey in the other direction could take over an hour, while other roads across the city are clogged too.
NZTA said Albany to Manukau will take nearly 55 minutes, and Te Atatū to Manukau is expected to take motorists 40 minutes to complete, more than double the usual expected time.
Concert-goers have already warned others heading to the stadium later about the traffic, with one person posting on Facebook urging others to leave as soon as possible.
“If you’re going to Ed Sheeran tonight leave now! Bombay on-ramp is jammed with roadworks and the motorway is screwed to Manurewa.”
Ed Sheeran's Kiwi Loop Tour show has already started to cause congestion around Auckland. Photo / Corey Fleming, Supplied
One commenter said the traffic wasn’t moving “all the way from Drury to [Princes St]”, while another claimed all the access roads were starting to jam as well.
A road hazard had been identified by NZTA heading north on the Southern Motorway, caused by a previous breakdown just after the Alfriston Overpass, but this has now cleared.
Motorists driving in that direction have been advised to expect delays, with congestion remaining heavy in the area.
Traffic is starting to build around Auckland before Ed Sheeran's concert at Go Media Stadium. Photo / Google
Sheeran will be playing two nights at Go Media Stadium, with up to 45,000 people expected to attend each show.
After gates open at 4pm, support acts Vance Joy, Mia Wray and Biird will kick off the New Zealand leg of the British singer-songwriter’s Loop Tour before he takes the stage later in the evening.
Public transport is limited, with a full rail closure in place for most of January, but ticket holders can catch special event buses from the CBD and bus travel is included in the event ticket.
Uber and taxi pick-up and drop-off zones are available near the stadium, while there is no on-site general parking.
Three roads near the stadium are closed for the concert until midnight, including Beasley Ave from 5am and Maurice and O’Rorke Rds from 3pm.
