MEDIA RELEASE

31 May 2012

NZ Transport Agency – Auckland/Northland Regional Offices

Weather impacts on Northland state highway works advises NZTA

Unsettled weather has delayed the completion of safety improvements to the state highway network in Northland and the NZ Transport Agency says care will be needed at several locations during Queen’s Birthday weekend.

“We had hoped to have our maintenance work finished and the highways clear for the holiday weekend, but regrettably the weather has been against us,” says the NZTA’s Regional Assets Manager, Steve Mutton. “We apologise for any inconvenience, but to ensure people reach their destinations safely speed restrictions will be operating at a number of our sites.”

Speed restrictions are in place at the following locations, which are work sites or have uneven surfaces:-

State Highway 1

· Katetoko Stream bridge, north of Whangarei: 70kph; uneven surface

· Springfield Bridge, north of Whangarei: 70kph; uneven surface

· Waipapakauri north of Awanui: 50kph

· Simeons Bend, north of the Mangamukas: 50kph

· Templetons Quarry, north of Umawera: 50kph

· Hukerenui, south of Hukerenui: 50kph

State Highway 10

· Bulls Gorge, near Kerikeri: 80kph approaching site; 50kph through new aligned hill section

State Highway 12

· Tokatoka Bluff, near Dargaville: 50kph

· Galvin, north of Ruawai : 50kph

· Griffin Road, west of Maungaturoto :50kph

· Matakohe, south of Paparoa:50kph

State Highway 14

· Paerata: 50kph

· Tangowahine: 50kph

NZTA contractors will also be working overnight on Friday (1 June) on the Brynderwyn Hills on SH1 to complete linemarking on the highway. The work will not start until 10pm when traffic volumes are light.

Mr Mutton says drivers should take care at all times and observe warning signs, especially if driving at night.

“Queen’s Birthday Weekend marks the start of winter. Days are short and the weather can be very changeable,” he says. “We will do everything we can to complete our works as quickly as possible so that people can travel safely,”

People planning holiday trips can get highway information from the NZ Transport Agency at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz.

ENDS

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