Auckland events this weekend: Road closures and public transport changes expected
Aucklanders are being urged to plan ahead this weekend as major events across the city bring large crowds, road closures and changes to public transport services.
The packed weekend includes a two-day Diwali Festival in the city centre, AUSX Supercross at North Harbour Stadium, the Auckland Marathon and Halloween festivities across the region.
With Halloween occurring on a Saturday, suburban streets are set to be busier than ever.
Auckland Council’s transport, infrastructure and delivery committee chairman Andy Baker said roads and public transport options would likely be busier than usual.
“With so many events on it’s going to be an exciting weekend for our city, but it’s important that people plan ahead and bake some extra time into their plans,” Baker said.
“Before you head out this weekend, make sure you have a plan for your journey before you leave home, allow extra time and expect things to be busy around major venues and the city centre.”
He warned some buses may be detoured because of the marathon on Sunday and urged travellers to “be patient, follow the directions of event and transport staff, and take extra care however you travel”.
Bus and train travel is included with tickets to the AUSX Supercross and marathon.
This weekend’s festivities come after extra public transport services were on standby last night to carry fans home from the international cricket clash at Eden Park.
In preparation for more than 40,000 spectators, Auckland Transport (AT) planned for extra trains and buses to be on standby for the end of the match.
The boost in transport came after fans leaving the recent All Blacks and Warriors matches were hit by lengthy public transport delays and bus no-shows, with some waiting about 45 minutes to catch a train at Kingsland station near the stadium.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner called on Auckland Council and AT to urgently address the transport and infrastructure upgrades needed near the stadium.
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