Locals travelling through Auckland today should anticipate significant traffic disruptions as a North Island march is set to impact major routes, including the central business district.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Transport (AT) have advised travellers to check the latest traffic updates before setting off.

In a somewhat surprising decision, especially given the current economic climate, NZTA and Police have agreed to close two outer lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge from early this morning to ensure the safety of march participants and road users.

This temporary lane closure is anticipated to impact both northbound and southbound traffic during peak hours, with plans to reopen the lanes as soon as it is safe to do so

The decision is part of a broader traffic management plan, which includes temporary closures of the Stafford Road offramp, Curran Street onramp, and Shelly Beach Road southbound offramp, alongside the two affected lanes on the Harbour Bridge.

NZTA and AT will closely monitor traffic through the Auckland Transport Operations Centre, providing live updates to help motorists navigate potential delays.

Auckland public transport users may also experience delays, as buses could be rerouted or detoured in response to traffic conditions.

Travellers, whether by car or public transport, are advised to allow extra time and plan routes carefully.

Check motorway traffic cameras here.

Check real-time traffic flow here.

As Auckland’s traffic flow contends with this march, the broader economic impact of today’s disruptions—and the authorities' surprising decision to close Harbour Bridge lanes—remains to be seen.