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The truck that was gushed by wind followed by another whoosh of winds causing another truck to crash both into Aukland's Harbour Bridge at around 11 am yesterday morning has caused some damage.
The wind speed was 60kph and went as high as 127kph.
Auckland System Manager Andrea Williamson described how it happened in the moment of reckless disrespectful winds.
Image: NZTA
“A medium-sized truck travelling in lane 3 northbound was hit by a strong gust of wind and blown across two lanes. It toppled over the moveable lane barrier and is now stuck on the barrier. The driver was not injured.”
“At the same time a southbound truck carrying a shipping container was blown sideways and hit the bridge superstructure. The truck righted itself and carried on.”
“There is damage to the bridge overarch, with a steel upright sheared off,” says Ms Williamson.
“The four lanes in the bridge centre span will remain closed until the damaged upright is assessed and repaired.”
The damage of the bridge could take weeks, if not months says NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) causing the traffic grid to sit in ques for hours each day going to and from work as 170,000 vehicles travel the bridge each day.
The north and south clip lanes are still open. Heavy congestion with traffic will be the biggest problem for weeks to come.
“Motorists are advised that it may be some time before all lanes can be reopened,” said the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Alternatives from the Auckland Harbour Bridge is going to the Western Ring Route (SH16 and SH18) and around the harbour to avoid using SH1 and the bridge.
Related: Truck flips over from strong wind on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, SH1
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