Easter, Anzac travel: Drivers urged to plan ahead

Heavy traffic is expected on BoP highways during the long weekends. Photo / Michael Craig

People travelling across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty for Easter and Anzac weekends are urged to drive to the conditions and plan before leaving home, as many holiday makers will be making the most of an extended break and taking the chance to travel.

This year, Easter Monday, Anzac Day and school holidays all fall in the same week, which meant it was likely to be extra busy on Bay roads, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi system manager for Waikato Andy Oakley said.

“Congestion and delays are inevitable during holiday periods, so we also want to remind everyone to be patient, drive to the conditions and keep to the speed limit.”

If past years are anything to go by, traffic will be especially heavy on Thursday and Good Friday, and then on the return journey on both Sunday and Monday.

“In the Bay of Plenty, motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic on State Highway 2, between Paeroa and Waihī, Tauranga and Katikati and on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range.

“In the Waikato, delays are predicted on State Highway 1 between Tīrau and Karāpiro, State Highway 2 from Pōkeno to Maramarua, and around Tairua on State Highway 25.”

Looking ahead to Anzac Day, road users should also allow extra time for their journeys, particularly on Anzac morning as there would be short-term restrictions and small detours in place near some townships.

Places to expect delays:

Bay of Plenty

SH29 - Kaimai (West of Tauranga)

SH2 - Between Paeroa and Waihī

SH2 - Between Tauranga and Katikati

Coromandel

SH25A - South of Tairua

Waikato

SH2 - Maramarua (East of SH1/SH2 Interchange)

SH1 - Taupiri (North of Hamilton)

SH1 - Karāpiro (South of Cambridge)

Road works in the Western Bay of Plenty

SH2 Apata Station Rd to Wainui South Rd: Road construction works are under way in preparation for the new roundabout. Lane shifts are in place along with speed restrictions. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management in place which may cause longer delays. Follow the temporary signs and directions of the traffic management team and watch for layout changes.

SH2 Turners Rd rebuild: Following completion of the newly rebuilt southbound lanes, traffic will be shifted to allow construction of the northbound lanes. To manage this phase safely, the work will be done in stages. Road users should expect some layout changes as it is completed. Speed restrictions are in place.

SH2 Pahoia Rd to Plummers Point Rd: While services are being installed, lane shifts will be in place along with speed restrictions. Intermittent stop/go traffic management may cause longer delays. Follow the temporary signs and directions of the traffic management team and watch for layout changes. Expect minor delays.

SH2 Ōmokoroa Rd: A temporary single-lane roundabout is now operational. Road construction and service relocation works are under way in preparation for the new roundabout. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management in place which may cause longer delays. Follow the temporary signs and directions of the traffic management team and watch for layout changes. Expect minor delays, especially during peak times. More information

SH2 Minden Rd – Takitimu North Link Stage 1: There is a temporary speed limit of 30km/h throughout the worksite area of Minden Rd. Please take care travelling through and adhere to the speed limit.