Roads will be busy on Anzac Day, plan ahead

The NZ Transport Agency says roads around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty are expected to be busy on Saturday, with record crowds expected at local Anzac Day commemorations.

Sections of State Highway 2, SH3, SH26 and a number of local roads will be closed at times as communities host dawn parades and other events to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings, and remember New Zealanders who served in wars and conflicts.

Motorists are advised to drive with care and allow extra time when travelling due to possible delays. Contractors will stop work on state highway sites from 12pm Friday April 24 until the morning of Tuesday April 28 to avoid disruption to travellers.

Anzac Day state highway closures are detailed below.

Bay of Plenty

State Highway 2 Katikati
SH2 at Katikati will be closed from 5am until 7.30am for a Dawn Parade. A detour will be in place via Fairview Road and Beach Road. The detour is not suitable for HPMV (high productivity motor vehicles), which will be stacked on the side of the highway until the parade finishes.

State Highway 2 (Jellicoe Road) Te Puke
SH2 at Te Puke will be closed from 10.30am until 11.30am for Anzac Day commemorations. A short detour will be in place on local roads. The detour is not suitable for HPMV vehicles.

Waikato

State Highway 3, Otorohanga
SH3 through the Otorohanga town centre will be closed twice on Anzac Day.
Closures will be in place between 5:45am and 6:45am for a dawn ceremony and then later between 9:45am and 10:45am for other Anzac ceremonies. The detour via Huiputea Drive is suitable for all traffic, including HPMV. Access will be maintained at all times along Kawhia Road (SH31-SH39).

State Highway 3, PioPio
A short section of SH3 in PioPio near the intersection with Weka Street will be closed between 9:30am and 1:00pm for a parade. A detour will be set up along Tui Street to minimise delays to passing traffic.

State Highway 26, Te Aroha
SH26 at Te Aroha will be closed between Rewi Street and Lawrence Avenue from 9am until 12pm for a civic ceremony.
Detours suitable for all vehicles will be in place during the closure.

For real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz call0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.

For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz.

ENDS

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