Auckland drivers and cyclists are being warned to take extra care over the next week as unusually high tides threaten to flood parts of the city's motorway network.
High tides of up to 3.6 metres are expected in the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours from Saturday, March 19, until Thursday the 24th.
NZTA said the area most likely to be affected is the section of highway and cycleway on the Northwestern Motorway between the Patiki Road Interchange and Rosebank Road Bridges.
The cycleway will definitely be under water in this area, said Tommy Parker, NZTA State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland.
He said the agency does not not think the motorway will be affected unless high tide coincides with adverse weather conditions.
"We will, however, be monitoring the situation and plans are in place to re-route traffic if necessary," he said.
"We're advising cyclists to make sure they know when high tide occurs and to try and avoid using the cycleway 1.5 hours either side of high tide."
The section of the Northwestern motorway that crosses the upper Waitemata Harbour will be widened and raised as part of the project to complete the Western Ring Route and this will prevent flooding in the future, Parker said.
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"The high tides do not pose a significant risk to the safe operation of Auckland's motorway, but we do ask people to drive with care, particularly on those low-lying sections of highway near the harbours," he said. For more information on tide times, alternative routes or planned detours and closures contact NZTA Auckland Motorways on 09 5200 200, emailmailto:help@ama.nzta.govt.nzor visit Auckland Motorways.
