With traffic expected to be heavy over Easter, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is advising motorists to plan ahead to avoid expected delays and allow additional travel time for their journeys where necessary.
The new Kopu Bridge is now open but delays are still possible around the Coromandel Peninsula, particularly through Tairua on Coromandel's east coast. Acting State Highway Manager Bryce Carter says, "Although traffic flows over the Kopu Bridge are expected to be smooth, the peak holiday traffic may cause queues at other points around the Coromandel. We will be monitoring traffic flows throughout the Coromandel and will control traffic when needed."
Holiday makers travelling from Auckland to the Coromandel also need to be aware of the 90km/h speed limit now in operation along the majority of State Highway 2 between the SH1/2 interchange near Pokeno and the SH2/25 intersection near Mangatarata.
The exceptions are the 6.2km Mangatawhiri Deviation, which remains at 100km/h, and 1.8km through the Maramarua township where the 70km/h speed limit hasn’t been changed. If necessary during peak travel
times, the NZTA may close passing lanes between Pokeno and Mangatarata.
"During peak travel periods such as the Easter break, closing passing lanes helps traffic flow more smoothly and improves safety for motorists,” says Mr Carter. “The lanes will be appropriately signposted and fenced off with traffic cones, but we're reminding people to obey the normal road rules by keeping left."
The NZTA has stopped all road works on the state highway network over the Easter period to enable
smoother flows for holiday traffic. This excludes any emergency work and routine maintenance activities.
Mr Carter 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."
"We want to see everyone to have a safe journey on Waikato roads, especially over the holiday season," said Mr Carter.
