Motorway closure - what you need to know

From 5pm on Saturday to 5am Monday, the 2.8km southbound motorway stretch between Gillies Ave and Green Lane East will be closed to allow work on the $215 million Newmarket Connection viaduct project.

The closure has the potential to create the biggest gridlock the city has seen and motorists have been urged to stay at home and avoid congestion, as the 60,000 vehicles which normally use the motorway look for alternative routes.

Public transport

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority says train trips will be free throughout Auckland's rail network all weekend.

Likely problem areas for motorists:

* Great South Rd from Manukau Rd to Green Lane
* Market Rd
* Orakei Rd
* Mountain Rd
* Gillies Ave
* Mortimer Pass
* Broadway/St Marks Rd intersection
* Dominion to Balmoral Rds
* Mt Eden Rd to Balmoral Rd intersection
* Fanshawe St

For more information go the NZTA Newmarket Connection website.

Graphic: Phil Welch/Herald on Sunday