Transit Regional Office
Auckland

8 June 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Sylvia Park traffic on Southern Motorway – LATEST UPDATE

Transit New Zealand advises motorists to avoid the Southern Motorway
northbound in the Mt Wellington area due to continued heavy traffic flow to
the new Sylvia Park shopping centre.

Traffic continues to move slowly around Sylvia Park, and all northbound
lanes of the Southern Motorway between East Tamaki and Mt Wellington remain
congested, with a long queue for the Mt Wellington off-ramp tailing back to
Water Street.

Those travelling to Sylvia Park shopping centre are advised that all car
parks are full, and motorists should consider postponing their visit to the
centre.

Transit is working closely with the shopping centre and Auckland City
Council to relieve congestion around Sylvia Park, and will provide further
information when it becomes available.

Motorists should look out for electronic message signs and listen to radio
bulletins for updates and alternative routes.

Transit Regional Manager (acting), Peter Spies, says motorists from the city
travelling to east Auckland should continue to use Ellerslie Panmure
Highway, while those heading south of Mt Wellington should use Great South
Road.

‘Our prime objective is to get the motorway free of congestion as quickly as
possible,” says Mr Spies. ‘Transit’s Traffic Management Unit is monitoring
the situation closely and will keep on sending out messages to inform and
update motorists until the traffic normalises.

ENDS

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