Congestion and delays are inevitable during holiday periods, NZTA said. Photo / Paul Estcourt
With Easter Monday and school holidays coinciding this year, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is warning road users it’s likely to be “extra busy” on the roads.
Traffic was expected to be especially heavy on Friday and on April 6.
“Congestion and delays are inevitable during holiday periods, and we want to remind everyone to be patient, pack snacks and water, drive to the conditions and keep to the speed limit,” NZTA said in a statement.
Motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic on State Highway 2, between Paeroa and Waihī, and on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range.
Delays are also predicted on State Highway 1 between Tīrau and Karāpiro, SH2 from Pōkeno to Maramarua, and around Tairua on State Highway 25.
Other road works include the following.
Due to the number of worksites on SH29 between Hinuera and Tauriko, people are asked to allow up to 20 minutes extra time.
Road widening work on SH29, near the intersection of Taotaoroa and Totman roads, is underway this week.
The intersection will be under traffic management, including stop/go, contraflow, and a 30km/h speed limit.
There will be no work over Easter and Anzac Day.
Widening work is expected to be completed towards the end of April.
Work to repair storm damage on SH25 at multiple locations along a 3km stretch on Pumpkin Hill, north of Tairua, continues.
On SH27, at the Walton Rd/Wairere Rd intersection, work is underway to install minor safety improvements.
The intersection is under stop/go traffic management with delays of up to five minutes.
Work is expected to be complete by early May.
The original closure dates for SH2 Karangahake Gorge, between Paeroa and Waihī have changed due to bad weather.
The closure will now take place on April 13 and 14, between 9am and 5pm.
During this time, SH2 will be closed to all traffic between Paeroa and Waihī.
The work is dependent on weather and river flows and could be moved to the next suitable dates if the weather is bad.
All works are expected to be completed by the end of May.
Crews will return to work on SH30 Awakino between SH3 Carroll St and Rora St in Te Kūiti from April 6.
Work will take place between 8pm and 6am, Sunday to Thursday, for six nights.
The road will be closed during this time with a light vehicle detour via Rora St.
Heavy vehicles, HPMVs and over-dimensional vehicles will detour via Awakino Rd, Taupiri St, Sheridan St, Jennings St, Tammadge St, Somerville Rd and Te Kumi Station Rd.
Hamilton City Council’s wastewater renewal works are underway at the Normandy Ave and Ōhaupō Rd roundabout until May.
The road remains open, but shoulder and lane closures are in place at times, and increased congestion is expected, NZTA said.
The most disruptive activity is planned during the school holidays, with crews continuing work over Easter.
Traffic management and temporary speed restrictions are in place.
Major works on the Waikato Expressway between Cambridge and Tamahere have started, with crews working six days a week.
Work will be completed in six separate 5km sections, starting at the southern interchange near Tīrau Rd.
Lane closures are in place 24/7 and motorists should expect significant delays during peak travel times.
Work to rebuild SH31 Kāwhia Road has started near Te Rauamoa Rd.
The work will take 10 weeks to complete, finishing late April. Stop/go traffic management will be in place 24/7 with a temporary speed limit.
There are just two sites left to complete on the Tīrau to Waiouru project.
While this final asphalting work is taking place, people are asked to allow extra time.
Across SH1 Taupō to Tūrangi, crews will move to the southern end of Motuoapa, where around 14 night shifts will be required.
Work will take place Sunday to Thursday, between 7pm and 6am, under stop/go traffic management.
Outside of these hours, the road will remain open to traffic, with temporary speed restrictions in place.