The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is asking motorists to be patient today with very heavy traffic flows expected on highways in the Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty as people head home after the long weekend break.
State Highway Manager, Brett Gliddon, says traffic will be heavier than normal as this Easter holiday draws to a close, with good weather in most parts of the regions encouraging more people to travel during the break.
“Heavy traffic is particularly likely on SH2 as people head back to Auckland,” says Mr Gliddon. “We’d urge motorists to be patient as congestion will add significantly to normal travel time. The agency will be monitoring traffic flows and will be assisting in keeping traffic flowing as much as possible.”
Mr Gliddon says the Waioeka Gorge temporary route is open and has traffic flow has been fine over the break. “We’d still like to remind people though that delays are likely either side of this single lane diversion and to drive carefully through the gorge,” Mr Gliddon says there are other alternative routes available via SH35 through the East Cape and SH5 through Taupo. “More details about these, including how much time to allow for your journey, can be found on the NZTA’s Waioeka Gorge webpage which is updated regularly at www.nzta.govt.nz/waioeka-gorge(external link).
“Regardless of where people are driving around the region, it’s always a good idea to plan your journey, allow for delays, take regular breaks, stay alert for road works signage and always drive to the conditions,” says Mr Gliddon. “Traffic has flowed reasonably well over the holiday break so far. We appreciate motorists’ patience and thank them for their focus on safe driving over Easter.”
