We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination these Easter holidays, so plan ahead and take regular breaks – that is the message from the NZ Transport Agency and the Police.
“This year Easter Monday, Anzac Day and school holidays all fall in the same week, which means it’s likely to be extra busy on our roads,” says Transport Agency Journey Manager, Peter Brown. “While we don’t have the major events of last year occurring (Warbirds over Wanaka, Ed Sheeran in Dunedin) a high volume of traffic is still expected in traditional holiday hotspots across the South Island.
“Congestion and delays are inevitable during peak times: we want to remind everyone to leave plenty of time for their journey, drive to the conditions and plan ahead before leaving home,’’ Mr Brown says.
The Transport Agency predicts traffic will be especially heavy around the South Island on Thursday 18 April and Good Friday 19 April, and then on the return journey on Sunday 28 April.
Last Easter, there were five fatal crashes and 140 reported injury crashes. These crashes resulted in seven deaths, 45 serious injuries and 155 minor injuries nationally.
Easter road deaths and crash statistics(external link)
NZ Police will have a high presence on South Island roads throughout the holiday period. District Road Policing & Operations Manager, Amelia Steel advises, “At any time on our roads, there are some simple rules that can be the difference between a safe trip or a tragic outcome. Drivers should always drive to the conditions, keep to the speed limit, always wear a seatbelt and never drive while impaired or distracted.’’
The Transport Agency’s crews have worked hard to ensure some key routes were completed in time for Easter. This includes the Otira Gorge, SH73, which has been undergoing repairs to get back to two lanes at Starvation Point and other places, since flooding damage in November. Bridge approaches have now been reinstated at Yorkies and Goat Creek, with more work to come.
Please be aware that earthquake and cyclone repair work is ongoing on both sides of Kaikōura this year. Expect short delays in several places with one lane available and Stop/Go or traffic signal management.
