Heading away Easter Weekend? Be prepared, enjoy a safe trip

Traffic will be heavy on highways out of Christchurch this Easter as people head off for an enjoyable four-day break. The NZ Transport Agency is asking drivers to plan ahead to avoid delays and have a safe trip.

Large numbers of motorists head away late Thursday, after school has finished, or early GoodFriday, then return on Easter Monday.

“If people are aware where and when the highways are most congested and plan accordingly, it will help reduce stress for everyone on the road - drivers and passengers,” says Lee Wright, NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Canterbury/ West Coast.

“Many people will be out of their well-known driving routes, so road courtesy and being patient will help keep stress levels down and increase safety for everyone.”

Areas and times where you can expect a slower journey
Check the HotSpots on the Transport Agency’s website, so you know where and at what times the roads have got congested previous Easter weekends. Leaving earlier or later may help smooth out your journey and avoid the peak congested times.
• State Highway 1 north of Christchurch: Heaviest traffic is from
4.30 to 6.00pm.
• State Highway 1 south of Christchurch: Heaviest traffic is between 4 and 6 pm.

Anticipate some delays – Temuka River bridge, Upper Orari River bridge and Mingha Bluff
Motorists should face minimal delays from state highway road works, with no active work sites over the four day weekend in Canterbury and the West Coast.

There will be one set of lights in operation on State Highway 73 at Mingha Bluff on the road between Canterbury and the West Coast. In other places there will be speed restrictions, particularly if sealing has just been done, to avoid loose chip flying around.

State Highway 1 Temuka River bridge, north of Timaru, Thursday night, 24 March, from 8 pm to midnight the bridge will be down to one lane while work is completed.

People driving south to Warbirds Over Wanaka are expected to swell traffic volumes on EasterFriday and Monday on State Highway 79, the inland route from Rangitata to Geraldine. Drivers should expect temporary traffic management near the Upper Orari River Bridge.

ENDS

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