Motorists warned International Rally of Whangarei will close roads

Dave Culham Drive and Te Matau a Pohe bridge will be closed between 4pm and 11pm on Friday for Rally Whangarei. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Whangarei drivers trying to get home after work at the end of the week are being warned to expect delays around the Port Rd area.

Dave Culham Drive, including Te Matau a Pohe bridge, will be closed to traffic and pedestrians from 4pm to 11pm tomorrow for the opening of the International Rally of Whangarei.

Whangarei District Council said a train will also pass through the rail crossing at the intersection of Port Rd and Kioreroa Rd, some time after 4pm tomorrow.

Traffic turning from Port Rd on to Kioreroa Rd will be affected by the train crossing and will cause additional traffic queues for drivers heading south along Port Rd or heading towards Port Rd from Kioreroa Rd.

Two large signs were put in place near the bridge yesterday morning, advising traffic of the planned road closure. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area during the 4.30pm to 6pm peak on Friday.

The ceremonial start of the rally is scheduled for 6pm at Te Matau a Pohe, followed by the 1km Pohe Island Super Special Stages 1 and 2 at 7.13pm and 8.13pm respectively.

There are a host of other road closures throughout the district over the weekend while the rally stages are held. For a full list of road closures go to the Whangarei District Council website.