21 October 2015 | NZ Transport Agency – Auckland and Northland

Safe driving and planning ahead will help keep roads safe this Labour Weekend

The NZ Transport Agency says everyone has a role to play in keeping people safe on our roads this Labour Day Weekend.

Roads across Auckland and Northland are expected to be busy as people make the most of the first long weekend after winter.

“Increased traffic volumes, tiredness and driving in unfamiliar environments can make driving over these long weekends not only more stressful but also more risky,” says the Transport Agency’s Safety Director Ernst Zöllner.
“Remember you’re sharing the road with many others, you have a responsibility to be courteous and patient to ensure you look after yourself, your families and other road users.”

Many of the roads around holiday destinations are narrow and winding, that makes the consequences of making a mistake potentially more dangerous.

Mr Zöllner says they are not designed for high speeds so adjust your driving to avoid mistakes and make it easier to manoeuvre out of those mistakes if they do happen.

“Don’t think of the speed limit as a target to aim for, instead drive at a speed that is safe for the type of road, the weather conditions and the number of vehicles on the road.”

“Think of the time getting to your destination as part of your ‘weekend away’, make the most of being together with friends or family even if it is in the car, relax and enjoy your journey, that way everyone’s more likely to arrive safely”, says Mr Zöllner.

PLAN AHEAD TO AVOID CONGESTION HOT SPOTS AND ROAD WORKS

The NZ Transport Agency is also advising motorists to plan ahead to avoid congestion hot spots and a number of significant road restrictions.

Auckland Highways Manager Brett Gliddon says data from previous Labour Weekends shows the areas and times that are mostly likely to be congested.

“We know that traffic is heaviest heading north on State Highway One between Puhoi and Kawakawa from mid-afternoon on Friday and again on Saturday morning, and then returning south again from 10am on Monday morning”.

“It’s also busy heading south out of Auckland on SH1 from midday on Friday until around 8pmand then again on Saturday from about 9am, and picks up again heading north to Auckland from lunchtime on Monday through until 7pm.”

“If you can, plan ahead and make your journey outside these peak times, this will help reduce congestion and keep traffic moving.”

A more detailed breakdown of the congestion hotspots is attached.

There are a number of lane closures and restrictions in place on SH16 at both the Te Atatu interchange and St Lukes motorway on-ramp. See below for more information.

Although the works are being carried out over the long weekend when traffic levels are quieter, delays are still likely, says Mr Gliddon.

“To help us complete the work as quickly as possible we’re asking people to use alternative routes to avoid the areas if they can, or allow plenty of time for their journey.”

Further north motorists should also take care and allow extra time travelling through the Akerama Improvements Project on SH1 near Hukerenui, north of Whangarei and on the north face of the Brynderwyn Hills, south of Whangarei. While all site work is stopping over the weekend road cones, lane closures and speed restrictions will remain in place.

SH16 St Lukes Interchange – Westbound on-ramp closed from 8pm Friday 23 Oct to 5amTuesday 27 Oct
Nearby attractions such as MOTAT and Auckland Zoo are open as usual.
For more information about the St Lukes Road Upgrade project visit:

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/the-western-ring-route/sh16-st-lukes-road-to-great-north-road/

SH16 Te Atatu Interchange – Lane closures from 10pm Fri 23 Oct to 5am Tue 27 Oct-
• Reduced traffic lanes over Te Atatu Road bridge
• The right turn from Te Atatu South to the citybound on-ramp will be closed
• The citybound loop motorway on-ramp will be open
• One lane only on the westbound motorway off-ramp towards Te Atatu Peninsula
• The right turn from the citybound motorway off-ramp towards Te Atatu South will be closed
• The right turn from Te Atatu Peninsula to the westbound on-ramp will be closed
• The northwestern cycleway and motorway will remain open.

For more information on the Te Atatu Interchange Upgrade Project, visit:-
Project: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh16-te-atatu-road-interchange/

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