Traffic will be heavy on highways heading back into Auckland tomorrow (27 October – Labour Day) and the NZ Transport Agency advises drivers to plan their journeys home after the weekend break to avoid delays.
Traffic volumes north and south of the city will start increasing during the morning and peak during the afternoon, says the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager Brett Gliddon.
“Drivers are more likely to face delays and queues on rural sections of the state highway network where there isn’t the same room as Auckland’s motorways to handle high volumes of holiday traffic. We anticipate around 3000 more vehicles than normal will be using the toll road north of Auckland.”
People should plan the time of their journey to reduce the risk of delays. Some of the most congested sections of state highway on Labour Monday 2013 were:-
For people driving between Northland and Auckland, Mr Gliddon says rural SH16 between Auckland and Wellsford is a less congested alternative route to SH1
Further south in the Wellington region, the Transport Agency will close the SH1 southbound passing lane north of Otaki from around 10am until approximately 8pm. Congestion will be monitored through Otaki, and temporary traffic management measures will be put in place to improve traffic flows if required.
The weather is forecast to be unsettled in many regions tomorrow, and Mr Gliddon says it will be important to drive to the conditions.
“Reduce driving speeds below the legal limit and increase following distances – vehicles need two to three times more stopping distance in wet weather.
“Patience is the key for a safe journey home. People can avoid the frustration factor by planning their trip, giving themselves extra time, and being considerate and courteous to others they will be sharing the road with,” says Mr Gliddon.
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland/Northland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T: 09 928 8720
M: 027 213 7616
E: ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
