Holiday makers travelling to the Coromandel Peninsula this Christmas holiday season can avoid long delays at Kopu Bridge by taking a different route.
When delays over Kopu Bridge exceed 45 minutes a message board at the intersection of State Highways 2 and 25 will advise motorists to continue travelling on State Highway 2 and follow a sign-posted alternative route to Coromandel via State Highway 26.
NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) State Highway Manager Kaye Clark says, “Although this route is approximately 30 minutes longer, it can reduce travel time for motorists during peak holiday periods when queues at Kopu Bridge can cause delays of up to two hours. Taking the alternative route is especially recommended for people transporting stock or travelling with young children or pets.”
Delays are also expected through Tairua on Coromandel’s east coast over the Christmas break. The NZTA will be closely monitoring peak holiday traffic flows through Tairua and will control traffic if needed.
The NZTA advises motorists to allow additional time for their journeys during this busy holiday period.
Mrs Clark says, “The important thing is to reach your destination safely. Even if it takes a little longer to get there, please be patient, keep your speeds down and take regular breaks on long journeys.”
Alternative Route from Auckland to the Coromandel:
Continue on SH2 until Hubbard Road, approximately two kilometres north of Paeroa. Turn left into Hubbard Road, and then left again at the end of the road onto SH26 and continue north to the Coromandel Peninsula.
This alternate route will be clearly signposted.
