The Transport Agency is urging motorists to stick to the usual highway routes this weekend when travelling to WOMAD.
Transport Agency state highways manager David McGonigal says that although there has been some advice circulated for southbound motorists to take a diversion through SH3A, the Agency’s official advice is to stick to the main highway.
“We’re aware of some well-intentioned advice that people travelling to the festival from the North should take a detour via Inglewood to avoid delays on State Highway 3.
“The advice from our experts, however, is that people who take this detour may experience even greater delays.”
“The problem with people going down SH3A to Inglewood and turning back is that you don’t get right of way under the give way rule when you re-enter what will be a very busy highway, with lots of festival-goers already heading north. This is likely to result in delays.
“The diversion suggested for southbound travellers is also a significantly longer route.
“We completely understand the rationale for a diversion, but we’re concerned it may not be as effective as hoped, and we don’t want people to miss out on their favourite artists.”
Mr McGonigal says motorists should stick to the shortest route that they would normally use, and allow extra time for their journeys.
“It’s really important to leave plenty of time up your sleeve and drive with care and courtesy.”
“We’re eager to support exciting events like this, and we will be doing everything we can to ensure people have fond memories of this years’ festival.”
“While some delays are inevitable with a festival like this, our advice is to stick to the shortest route. We want everyone to get to the festival in a safe and timely manner, and we’ll be scaling down our roadworks to keep traffic moving. We’ll also have our contractors out in force to help keep traffic moving and to respond to any problems.
Mr McGonigal says that while the Vickers to City highway project may rouse the curiosity of passing motorists, he cautions against rubbernecking.
“Rubbernecking has quite a disruptive effect on traffic flow, so we’re asking drivers to keep their eyes on the road – it’s safer and it keeps everyone moving.”
Mr McGonigal says that the Vickers to City roadworks do not reduce the highway capacity, so should not directly contribute to delays.
For real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz.(external link)
For more information please contact:
Anthony Frith
Media Manager - Central
T: 04 894 5251
M: 027 213 7617
E: anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz
