Long weekend - long delays

Commuters experienced frustrating traffic delays yesterday evening heading south from Warkworth to Orewa.

Auckland Anniversary weekend traditionally sees traffic delays at the beginning and end of the long weekend. Police say motorists should consider SH16 as an alternative route.

One commuter said it took one hour and forty minutes to drive from Warkworth to Orewa.

A police communications spokesman said last night the delay was not the result of an accident.

He said it was probably holiday-makers travelling to and from their destinations.

Another commuter said on Saturday it took an hour to drive from the North Shore to Orewa around midday.

Transit New Zealand is building a $365 million toll motorway between Orewa and Puhoi in a bid to ease traffic flow.

The motorway is due to open in early 2009, but in the meantime commuters may face lengthy delays.