With winter in full swing, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising people heading out of Wellington for the long Queen’s Birthday weekend to take extra care on the roads and plan ahead for a safe journey.
“We want everyone to get to where they’re going safely, so we’re encouraging motorists to drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert,” Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen.
“We’re expecting the roads to be busy in and out of Wellington throughout the long weekend, but particularly on State Highway 1 heading north on Friday from around 10am through to 5pm, and on the return journey on Monday between 11am and 4pm.”
Waka Kotahi has a handy ‘trip hack’ to make travel safer and more enjoyable this weekend. The holiday journeys tool shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes based on travel patterns from previous years. Motorists can use the tool to check the predicted peak traffic times, which can help them decide what time to leave home.
Holiday Journeys tool(external link)
Because predicted peak times may change based on traffic incidents, weather, driver behaviour, or changes in Covid-19 alert levels, motorists should also visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz before heading off for the latest information on road works, road closures and delays.
Journey Planner(external link)
“As we’re now in winter, the weather conditions will make driving a bit more challenging. This, along with the increased traffic on the roads, means we all need to take extra care to ensure that everyone gets to their destinations safely this weekend,” Mr Owen says.
“Have a look at the weather forecast before you head off and, if it’s poor, consider if you really need to travel. If you do, make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Check your tyres, wipers, indicators and lights, and ensure your Warrant of Fitness is up to date.
“Drive to the conditions, whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day, or the volume of traffic. Keep a safe following distance at all times and keep speeds down, particularly when the roads are wet and icy.
“We know that there will be some congestion and delays at peak times, that’s inevitable. But planning ahead and leaving plenty of time for your journey can ease the worst of the frustrations and help ensure that everyone gets to where they’re going safely, which is the most important thing.”
Waka Kotahi is also reminding Wellington motorists that all six lanes of Jervois Quay in the CBD will be closed from 7pm on Thursday 3 June to 6am on Tuesday 8 June, while Wellington Water undertakes important work to repair the damaged stormwater pipe.
Delays and congestion are expected, and people are being encouraged to avoid driving in the area and use public transport, walk or cycle where possible. Refer to Wellington City Council for more information.
Wellington City Council website(external link)
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