Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people to make use of its Holiday Journey Planner tool to plan ahead to avoid traffic delays and have more time to enjoy the fruits of their Labour (weekend) with safer, more enjoyable travel this long weekend.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people to make use of its Holiday Journey Planner tool to plan ahead to avoid traffic delays and have more time to enjoy the fruits of their Labour (weekend) with safer, more enjoyable travel this long weekend.
Labour Weekend Holiday Journey Planner(external link)
Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, Rob Campbell, says those hoping for a less laborious holiday weekend should consider visiting the Holiday Journey Planner and timing their travel for outside the predicted busy periods for traffic.
“In the Bay of Plenty, people can expect delays on State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi for eastbound traffic on Friday between 3pm and 7pm, and westbound on Monday between 10am and 5pm, with the heaviest traffic predicted between 11am and 3pm.
“SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati is expected to be busy on Friday for southbound traffic between 3pm and 6pm, with the heaviest period between 4pm and 5.30pm.
“For those travelling eastbound on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range, expect the road to be busy on Friday from 3pm till 6pm and from mid-morning until 1pm on Saturday. The westbound peak will be Monday from 10.30am until 5pm.
“In the Waikato, delays are expected on State Highway 25 around Tairua on Friday from 2pm until 6.30pm northbound, with the heaviest period from 4.30pm till 6pm. Southbound – Monday will be busy from 10am until 5.30pm with the heaviest period from 11am until 4pm.
Expect State Highway 1 to be busy from Karāpiro to Tīrau southbound on Saturday 22 October from 9.30am until 12.30pm and northbound on Monday from 4pm – 7.30pm.
On State Highway 2 from Pōkenoto Maramarua it may be busy on Saturday from 9am till 1pm for eastbound travellers. Westbound will likely be busy on Monday between 11am and 6pm.
Mr Campbell says while most work stops before busy holiday travel periods like the Labour Day long weekend to minimise disruption to people’s journeys, there is still a lot going on in certain parts of our state highway network.
State Highway 1 on the Desert Road is down to one lane at Tree Trunk Gorge due to an underslip. Elsewhere in the Waikato, there’s an ongoing closure at State Highway 1B Telephone Road railway crossing and two sections of State Highway 30 between Te Kūiti and Kōpaki are under stop/go traffic management.
In the Bay of Plenty, a slip has currently closed State Highway 2 at Waiotahe Beach.
“Traffic management, such as temporary speed limits, signs and cones, is used to alert road users to a change in the road conditions or to works ahead. Please take notice, adhere to the relevant speed limits and follow the directions of any traffic management staff and signs – it’s all there to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labour weekend.”
“Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there’s no need to rush.
“Congestion and delays are inevitable in peak times, but if everyone plans ahead before leaving home, leaves plenty of time for their journey, and drives to the conditions, the worst of the frustrations can be eased and everyone can concentrate on arriving safely at their destination," says Mr Campbell.
There are simple things we can all do to help keep everyone on the roads safe.
“Check your vehicle is safe to drive. Check your tyres, wipers, lights and indicators, and ensure you have a valid Warrant of Fitness before you leave.
“Drive to the conditions - whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
“Keep a safe following distance and take regular breaks to stay alert.
“We want to see everyone get where they’re going – and home again – safely this long weekend.”
Video: Why are there so many roadworks during summer, and what does that mean for your holidays? Rob, from our maintenance and operations team, explains in the video above (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye4rFMlOaA4(external link)).
