Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is sharing a handy ‘trip hack’ for Wellingtonians heading away for the long weekend to make travel safer and more enjoyable.
The Waka Kotahi Holiday Journey Planner shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes over the Labour weekend period, based on travel patterns from previous years.
Waka Kotahi Holiday Journey Planner - Labour Day Weekend(external link)
Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen says the roads in and out of Wellington are likely to be busy over the long weekend and encourages motorists to check the journey planner before heading off.
“State Highway 1 heading north is expected to be busiest on Friday afternoon, from about 1pm through to 6pm, as Wellingtonians head away for the break. Saturday morning will also be busy, with traffic predicted to be heaviest between 9am and midday.
“The return trip is expected to be busiest for people heading home on Monday afternoon, particularly between 4pm and 7pm.
“For motorists heading north on State Highway 2, traffic is predicted to be heavy on Friday between 3pm and 6.30pm, and on Saturday between 10am and 12.30pm.
“People heading south on this route should expect traffic to be busiest on Sunday afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm, and on Monday from 11am to 6pm.
“To make the journey more enjoyable, people should consider hitting the road outside of these hours. Congestion and delays are inevitable during peak traffic, so people travelling during this time should leave plenty of time for their journey and drive to the conditions.”
Because predicted peak times for travel may change based on traffic incidents, weather, driver behaviour, or changes in Covid-19 alert levels, motorists are encouraged to check the real-time Journey Planner before they head off for the latest information on road works, road closures and delays.
Wellington live traffic updates on Journey Planner(external link)
“We want everyone to get to where they’re going safely, so please make sure to watch your speed, keep a safe following distance, be patient and take regular breaks,” says Mr Owen
“People should also check their vehicle is safe to drive before heading off. Check your tyres, wipers, lights and indicators, and ensure you have a valid Warrant of Fitness.”
Mr Owen also encourages people to keep track of where they’re going with the NZ COVID Tracer app and to check the COVID-19 website for information on alert levels and travel before heading off on holiday.
covid19.govt.nz(external link)
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