Aucklanders heading away this Waitangi Weekend, the last long weekend of summer, are being encouraged by the NZ Transport Agency to plan their journey and travel outside peak times to avoid delays.
The Transport Agency’s Auckland and Northland Highway Manager Brett Gliddon says the busiest time on State Highway 1 today, heading north or south, will be from 4pm to 8pm.
“We expect traffic volumes to be heavy in both directions, making it important that motorists are prepared for delays, are patient, and after yesterday’s rain which has made the roads very slippery, drive to the conditions.”
Traffic volumes on State Highway 2 Mangatawhiri will double during the 4pm to 8pm peak and are expected to be heavy again throughout Friday morning. “We are asking that motorists take extreme care and take breaks to avoid any frustrations, making the journey part of their weekend away.”
Traffic volumes on SH1 north of Auckland are expected to heavy again tomorrow (Friday) morning from 8am to 10.30am and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
Mr Gliddon says road works sites throughout Northland and many parts of Auckland were shut down at noon today, to help reduce delays and make travel safer for everyone. “While no work will be underway, we ask motorists observe all temporary speed limits in place to keep everyone safe, prevent damage to other vehicles and protect the works that are under construction.”
He says the Transport Agency has a lot of work happening across the highway network this summer. “To keep up-to-date with this work, visit our Summer Season Journeys website – www.nzta.govt.nz/summerseason(external link).”
Aucklanders returning home on Sunday from north of Auckland will find traffic is heavy on SH1 from 11.30am through to 6.30pm and coming back from the south, from 11am to 4pm.
Mr Gliddon says electronic signs along the highways will be used this weekend to help everyone informed about conditions ahead.
There are several options to help people plan safer travel:
Check the Transport Agency’s website: www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) for the latest highway information or sign up to www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link) for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel; freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.
Motorists using the Northern Gateway Toll Road on SH1 can prepay tolls at www.tollroad.govt.nz(external link)
“Our websites help you plan ahead and choose the best times to travel and routes to avoid delays and reduce stress. Don’t forget, you can also follow us on twitter and Facebook to get the latest updates.”
For more information please contact:
Jan McCarthy
Media Manager - Christchurch
T: 03 964 2885
M: 021 427 442
E: jan.mccarthy@nzta.govt.nz
