They forecast is for chaos with Aucklanders being advised not to travel. While there will be diversions http://www.facebook.com/switchmyroute surrounding roads are not expected to cope, and there will be flow on effects in surrounding areas.
I'll be using Waze to cope. Real time reports for traffic buildup and slowdowns should allow the dynamic routing to work well. The more Waze users the better, so encourage all your friends, relatives and enemies to start using it, in preparation and during this weekend. You can even sit at home, turn on Waze (or go to www.waze.com/livemap) and watch the fun and chaos.
I have emailed Waze support asking about the feasbility of blocking off this part of the highway. They have replied and are looking at the options. They don't yet support road-blocks and are suggesting they may be able to load in a massive traffic jam with 0 km/hr on that segment so Waze will route around it.
My thinking is to mark that route as a no entry road. The problem is timing. It will have to be done in advance due to the delays in Live maps getting pushed out to mobile device and the routing engine. Too late and it will be pointless. Too soon and the motorway will have a hole in it a few days early.
But hey, if people can't figure out to take the Southern motorway as usual, well then they get good training for diversions in the future. The assistance I need is where to go if I can't get through the viaduct - not the easy option.
So I'm thinking of making this change on 28 August. And then changing it back after the update including that change has flowed through. Unless Waze comes back with a better offer.
So this is a big deal. I'd value your comments. Maybe I should go for the 27th? It'll be fun to see where Waze tells me to go when there's no motorway there.