Businesses in Newmarket - one of the busiest shopping districts in Auckland - say trading will be restricted on Father's Day when part of State Highway One is closed.
Southbound lanes of the Southern Motorway, between Gillies Ave and Greenlane, are being closed for up to 36 hours from Saturday night for work to be done on the Newmarket viaduct.
The Transport Agency says the closure will cause significant disruption in central Auckland. Up to 60,000 vehicles will be re-routed.
The Newmarket Business Association says it will have a huge impact on businesses, as the agency is telling people to stay clear of the area.
Chief executive Cameron Brewer says Father's Day is usually very busy for shops and eateries and the closure arguably could not happen at a worse time, with businesses already struggling.
