Aucklanders are facing major traffic delays during the Auckland Anniversary weekend with the closure of part of Auckland's Southern Motorway.
The northbound lanes of State Highway 1, between Market Road and Gillies Avenue, will be closed from 5pm next Saturday, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says.
The closure is to complete work for the new Newmarket Viaduct, due to be open to traffic on Monday, January 30, Auckland Anniversary Day.
Detours will be in place, but "considerable" and "widespread" delays are inevitable, says NZTA's Auckland and Northland acting State Highways manager Steve Mutton.
"We're talking about trying to redirect up to 65,000 vehicles on the Sunday alone," he said.
"Even with detours, the impact of the closure will be felt well beyond the Southern Motorway."
People should allow a lot more time on their journey if they must travel, Mr Mutton says.
"We accept that this may cause frustration - particularly on a long weekend - but our best advice is to stay away from the motorway during Auckland Anniversary weekend."
NZN