Auckland Transport is planning ahead to ensure Aucklanders have the information they need to stay safe next week when Cyclone Gabrielle brings severe wind and rain to the Auckland region.

Auckland Transport’s Executive General Manager Safety Stacey van der Putten says Cyclone Gabrielle has the potential to cause significant disruption to Auckland’s roading and public transport networks.

“As we saw with the Auckland anniversary weekend weather event, some parts of our transport system are vulnerable to severe weather,” Ms van der Putten says.

“This time around we’re expecting to see strong winds and possible storm surges on top of heavy rain, which means Aucklanders will need to take extra care from Monday.

“We’re asking Aucklanders to get ready this weekend for next week’s severe weather and to seriously consider whether they need to travel early next week.

“Our focus right now is on making sure Aucklanders have the information they need to plan their travel according to the latest weather advice, but we also have teams across the region on standby to help respond to the cyclone when it lands.”

Auckland’s Harbourmaster is also asking for mariners to take the weekend to get prepared for the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle, advising them to check that their vessel is properly secured ahead of strong winds and potential storm surges.

AT’s advice for Aucklanders ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle:

• Consider whether your travel early next week is necessary and plan ahead your full return journey – there is a possibility the Harbour Bridge will need to close, so consider avoiding heading over the bridge unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Check the AT website at at.govt.nz/weatherwatch for regular updates on road closures and public transport
• Be prepared for road closures. Specific areas to avoid should flooding occur are the Wairau Valley, Tamaki Drive, Fanshawe St around Victoria Park and Fred Thomas Drive. There are many more and these will be available on our website.
• The harbourmaster has also issued an alert to all mariners to check their vessels and address any issues in preparation for the arrival of the cyclone.
• Our public transport network will continue to be operational but changes to services and cancellations will be made if required to ensure our customers and staff remain safe. Plans are in place to implement when necessary.
• Given that this storm event is predicted to bring high winds people are advised to keep a lookout for debris and fallen trees on the road, and as always to drive to the conditions.

Our plan for managing public transport services as severe weather hits

Our public transport operations team will be working closely with our Incident Management Team to ensure that our customers and staff on public transport services are kept safe as weather conditions deteriorate early next week. Depending on conditions we will be making decisions on:

• Bus diversions, which will be implemented as required
• Harbour bridge restrictions will follow agreed processes with Waka Kotahi and bus operators based on wind speeds
• Trains will be stopped when winds exceed 100km/h. Contingencies are being confirmed with KiwiRail and our rail operate Auckland One Rail.
• Ferry services will have reduced frequencies and cancellations, as specified by the operator. All ferry services will be cancelled if directed by the Incident Management Team.

In addition, our road maintenance teams have been working around the clock to prepare the network for Cyclone Gabrielle:

• Sweeping teams as well as catchpit cleaning teams have been mobilised to clean and clear as many areas and catchpits as possible, especially in critical areas. This is in addition to any catchpit cleaning being done by Healthy Waters.
• Our road maintenance work continues on from the Anniversary weekend weather event. Contractors have also implemented precautionary measures at existing slips and damaged sites across the region to help minimise further damage. This includes sandbags, installation of bunds and polyethylene covers on open slip faces and above the dropouts.
• We have people on the ground, ready to respond quickly to slips and flood damage on roads if needed, with a large number of resources on standby.
• Our road maintenance contractors will have in excess of 300 people available over the weekend and can ramp this up if necessary next week. We also have geotechnical and structural engineers we can call in as necessary.
• We encourage the public to respect any current road closures, barriers and signages – they are there for your protection of your and others safety.
• To re iterate, we will be updating our information and messaging frequently based on new or emerging information - please use the travel information available at At.govt.nz and use the AT mobile app for planning your public transport journey.

To keep up to date, please visit at.govt.nz/weatherwatch.

© Scoop Media