Auckland’s Harbour Bridge has limited traffic due to strong winds, causing delays and extra costs. On Monday, the bridge operated with only two lanes open in each direction and speed limits were enforced. When winds reach 90 km/h, speed restrictions apply, and if gusts hit 110 km/h, the bridge may close completely. This forces drivers to take longer routes via State Highway 16 and SH18.
Economist Brad Olsen from Infometrics said the closure costs people a lot. He estimated that over the past couple of years, repeated closures added up to about 700 minutes of lost time, costing around $2.1 million. These wind-related detours create delays and challenges for drivers.
Olsen noted there are also hidden costs. If the bridge is closed for just five minutes, drivers may avoid it and take a detour, leading to potential costs of nearly $36 million overall. Taking longer routes not only wastes time but also increases wear and tear on vehicles.
He explained that closures are becoming more frequent as the bridge ages. The bridge was not built to last forever, and increasing closures affect the economy negatively. Olsen mentioned that solving these issues quickly is difficult, so delays may continue as wind conditions persist.
