U-20 Fifa World Cup traffic warning: 'Roads will be busy'

People heading to the game will run into after-work traffic on the motorway. File photo / Natalie Slade

Auckland Transport are warning those going along to the Fifa U-20 World Cup game between New Zealand and USA at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow night to leave early and expect delays.

In a statement this afternoon, Auckland Transport advised football fans to plan their trip in advance and allow extra time to get to the event as "roads will be busy due to peak traffic".

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Those going to the game were encouraged to use public transport, the price of which is included in a match ticket.

Auckland Transport's operations manager of special events Logan Christian said event buses would run from the central city, Takapuna and Henderson.

"The buses will generally run along the Northern Busway ensuring a smooth trip."

Buses would depart from the earlier time of 5pm and after the match, all event buses would leave from directly outside the stadium on Don McKinnon Drive.

Travel on trains to Britomart, to connect with a bus to the stadium, was also included with match tickets.

Auckland Transport said people could travel from three hours prior to kick-off until the last train service of the night.

Mr Christian said: "Whether you are taking the bus or driving to the venue tomorrow night it is important that you allow plenty of time to get there because traffic will be heavy at that time of night."

The announcement comes after Sports Minister Jonathan Coleman, speaking on Sunday, said there should have been a "prominently advertised travel plan" prior to Saturday's opening World Cup game to encourage people to take the bus.

There was heavy public criticism following the event about the handling of traffic issues.

Auckland Transport spokesman Mark Hannan responded to the Minister's comments today and said everyone who bought their ticket would have got an email back from the organisers telling them about the public transport option.

"And that's quite clear on the ticket, so I think anyone that was going to the event knew about the public transport plan."

A police spokesperson said police provided feedback about the traffic issues after Saturday's event and had since been advised that changes had been made ahead of tomorrow's game.

"Police will have a presence in and around the venue tomorrow, primarily to ensure public safety, but will monitor the traffic situation."