Waka Kotahi is predicting traffic will be heaviest between 2pm and 5pm for those looking to escape Auckland. Photo / NZME
Waka Kotahi is predicting traffic will be heaviest between 2pm and 5pm for those looking to escape Auckland. Photo / NZME
Holidaymakers attempting to escape Auckland for the long weekend and commuters have experienced delays due to a number of crashes this evening.
In Auckland, the eastbound SH16 to SH20 link is blocked on the left lane.
Motorists are being asked to pass with care and expect delays when entering theWaterview Tunnel going south.
SH16 EASTBOUND LINK TO SH20 - 6:35PM Due to an earlier crash, the left lane is now blocked on the #SH16 eastbound link to #SH20. Pass with care and expect delays into the Southbound Waterview Tunnel. ^LB pic.twitter.com/W0z6X54846
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 3, 2022
There are delays following a crash in Auckland blocking the exit-only lane to Khyber Pass northbound.
UPDATE 5:50PM This crash is now fully clear. Expect delays as congestion eases. ^LB https://t.co/x3hMYJcR0f
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 3, 2022
There were delays on State Highway 1 after a crash south of Warkworth. Motorists reported significant delays heading north. The crash has now been cleared.
In Auckland, a crash on the right southbound lane on SH20 across from the Hillsborough Rd on-ramp caused delays.
The crash is now cleared but motorists are still to expect delays from Maioro Street as congestion resumes to normal.
UPDATE 5:50PM This crash is now fully clear. Expect southbound delays from Maioro St on #SH20 as congestion resumes normal volumes. Thank you for your patience. ^LB https://t.co/rcIuo1gOK3
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 3, 2022
The left, southbound lane on SH1 is now clear after an earlier crash but congestion is still to be expected as traffic returns to normal peak volumes.
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 3, 2022
Police are also currently responding to a crash between a bus and a car on River Rd in Tuakau, Waikato.
Six people were treated for moderate and minor injuries on the scene and two people were transported to Middlemore Hospital. There are no blocks on the road at this stage.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency warned holidaymakers of traffic jams heading north and south out of the city.
Waka Kotahi said the northbound Johnstones Hill tunnel on SH1 will remain closed this Queen's Birthday weekend. Those travelling north are encouraged to avoid peak travel times, or detour via SH16 to avoid heavy traffic, delays and long queues.
The northbound tunnel is currently closed because of ongoing works required to build the connection between the new Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and the existing SH1.
With one tunnel closed, traffic travelling in both directions will use one side each of the southbound tunnel.
Waka Kotahi is predicting traffic will be heaviest between 2pm and 5pm for those looking to escape Auckland. Photo / NZME
Based on previous years, Manukau to Bombay will be badly backed up between 2pm and 5pm and slower than normal until 6.30pm.
And those hoping to skip the traffic by waiting until Saturday to leave the city should also beware - southbound traffic is also predicted to be slow going between 8.30am and 4.30pm tomorrow.
Plan ahead for southbound delays on #SH1 between Manukau and Bombay from 10:30am-6:30pm TODAY, as road users head away for the long weekend. Check out our holiday journeys tool for more on delays: https://t.co/dJrYaxTMrc. ^MF pic.twitter.com/OdQBTk7Eyj
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 2, 2022
Heading north, delays are expected today on SH1 between Puhoi and Wellsford between 1pm and 6pm, with the heaviest traffic from 2pm to 5pm.
Plan ahead for northbound delays on #SH1 between Puhoi and Wellsford TODAY from 1pm-6pm as road users head away for the long weekend. Check out our holiday journeys tool for more on delays: https://t.co/VNHYURudYs. ^MF pic.twitter.com/25rPsoJPR2
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 2, 2022
Roading authorities will also be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's Queen's Birthday Weekend, when three people died on the roads.
About 140 people are also injured in crashes on New Zealand roads every Queen's Birthday Weekend, NZTA figures show.
The holiday period begins at 4pm today and ends at 6pm on Tuesday.
Transport minister Michael Wood said across millions of kilometres being travelled this weekend, drivers would make errors or bear the brunt of someone else's mistakes.
Wood said one person was killed every day on New Zealand roads and seven were seriously injured.
