With a busy (and possibly wet) long holiday weekend ahead, motorists travelling on the West Coast are being encouraged to check weather forecasts, roading conditions and plan ahead for their journeys in case of delays.

“We’ve seen plenty of rain across the region over the last week and more rain is expected over the long weekend, which can bring challenges for the roading network,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the West Coast.

“It’s a good idea to do some planning in advance if you are travelling to and around the region over the long weekend, including checking for any closures or delays on NZTA’s Journey Planner.”

Delays are still being experienced through the Lower Buller Gorge after a series of slips forced a closure earlier this week. Motorists should expect to allow up an hour of additional travel time when travelling through this part of State Highway 6 between Inangahua Junction and Westport.

Further south, motorists travelling on State Highway 6 between Haast and Lake Moeraki should be aware that because of retaining wall construction works at the Epitaph Site, traffic will be temporarily held up in both directions between 7am and 5pm. Traffic will be cleared from the site every hour, on the hour, and motorists should expect delays of up to an hour during work times.

“We want people to enjoy their long weekend and safely reach their destinations, wherever they are travelling,” Miss Whinham says.

“Doing that advance planning, taking care on the roads and showing patience for others makes a real difference. It’s also very much appreciated by those of us who are responsible for managing and maintaining the roading networks and keeping the traffic flowing.”

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