Gridlocked traffic as high winds close lanes on Auckland Harbour Bridge, speed limits lowered

Speed limits are reduced, and some lanes are closed on Auckland's Harbour Bridge due to high winds this afternoon. Photo / Waka Kotahi

Waka Kotahi NZTA lowered speed limits and closed some lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge because of high winds this afternoon.

Commuters who spoke to the Herald described peals of thunder overhead as traffic backed up from the bridge to Spaghetti Junction.

The transport agency alerted the closures and speed restrictions at 1.30pm today. The lanes had since been reopened.

Motorcyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles have been warned to take care, while Waka Kotahi advised those motorists to use State Highways 16 or 18.

SH1 AKL HARBOUR BRIDGE - 1:30PM
Due to severe wind gusts reduced speed limits and lane reductions are now in place on the #SH1 Akl Harbour Bridge. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists should drive with extra care. Consider using SH18/SH16. ^WC pic.twitter.com/whip8dCjyH

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) November 30, 2022

Traffic remains heavy northbound on the Southern Motorway from the bridge to Ōtāhuhu, while the Northwestern Motorway citybound is also congested to the Western Springs on-ramp.