Drivers are being advised to plan their journeys for the end of this week because traffic on sections of Auckland’s motorway network will be heavy as three big outdoor events in the city attract tens of thousands of people.
A full house is expected at Eden Park for the rugby league nines tournament on Saturday and Sunday, a concert by American rapper Eminem at Western Springs on Saturday is sold out, and the popular Lantern Festival celebrating Chinese New Year is being held at Albert Park and Queen’s Wharf in the central city from Thursday until Sunday.
The NZ Transport Agency’s National Journey Manager, Kathryn Musgrave, says the St Lukes interchange on the Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) and motorway interchanges connecting with the city centre will be busy.
“The three events mean there will be more traffic on our networks than normal, particularly in the city centre and in the inner west around Eden Park and Western Springs. We would advise people going to these events to make a plan that will get them to their destination early and home again safely.”
Mrs Musgrave says the Transport Agency will use electronic messages on the motorways to keep people informed of driving conditions, but she says people should consider using public transport.
“Parking will be at a premium anywhere near the venues, and the train, bus or ferry will be a hassle-free option for travel.”
Details of public transport services are available www.at.govt.nz(external link) or phone 09 366 6400 to speak to Auckland Transport’s Contact Centre team. Driving updates are available at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link), or people can plan their route at www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link)
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
The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders - from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.
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