Category: Transport

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that traffic management and a reduced speed limit is in place on SH1 south of Waiouru today for the recovery of a truck and trailer, which went into a ditch during recent snow weather.

Work to salvage the trailer and its products is underway this morning under one lane closure and stop/go traffic management. Road users should expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

Waka Kotahi apologies for the disruption and thanks road users for their patience.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi is reminding drivers to plan ahead and check the latest conditions before starting their journeys, with road snowfall warnings in place for several state highways overnight and throughout Tuesday (15 August).

Metservice has issued snowfall warnings for:

• Lewis Pass (SH7) – snow showers forecast to 800 metres, and 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle on the road at times. Further snow is expected on Wednesday and this warning may be extended.

• Arthur’s Pass (SH73) – snow showers forecast to 700 metres, and 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle on the road at times.

• Haast Pass (SH6) –  snow showers forecast to 400 metres, and 6 to 12 cm of snow may settle on the road.

• Lindis Pass (SH8) – brief snow showers to 600 metres late this afternoon and early evening, and 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit. Another period of snow is possible early Tuesday morning, and 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit.

• Crown Range Road (Queenstown) – brief snow showers to 600 metres this afternoon, and 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit. Another period of snow is possible early Tuesday morning, and 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle on the road near the summit.

• Milford Road (SH94) – heavy snow watch in place, with snow showers down to 300 metres. 15 to 30cm of snow expected to accumulate near Homer Tunnel during Monday, with smaller amounts to 300 metres. An additional 10 to 20cm expected near the tunnel on Tuesday, with lesser amounts to 500 metres.

Drivers are urged to check the latest MetService updates(external link) and Waka Kotahi highway updates(external link) before travelling, be well-prepared and ready for snow and ice on the routes listed above, with road closures possible in some areas at short notice.

Winter driving tips:

• Drive slower than you normally would – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
• Avoid sudden braking or turning movements that could cause you to skid.
• For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems, to avoid skidding or sliding, smoothly pump the brake pedal in short bursts rather than pressing long and hard.
• Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. In winter, double the two-second rule and leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped.
• Makes sure everyone is wearing their seat belt throughout the full journey.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency would like to thank road users for heeding weather warnings and driving to the conditions during last week’s snow event in the Central Plateau, which saw the closure of the Desert Road.

“We had very few issues during the closure of the Desert Road last week, compared to the challenges experienced during the weather event a fortnight ago, which saw multiple crashed trucks and stuck vehicles,” says Waka Kotahi System Manger for the Waikato, Cara Lauder.

“Waka Kotahi would like to thank road users for following our advice, adjusting their journey plans and driving to the winter conditions. This meant the closure of the Desert Road was much shorter than it could’ve been, as contractors could focus on clearing snow and ice rather than rescuing or removing stuck vehicles.

“We’d also like to thank all our teams on the ground who worked long hours in freezing conditions to clear the Desert Road and keep the detour routes open.”

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With the Bay Link project working towards completion later this year, people travelling through the area will see changes to the road layout coming up more frequently.

To minimise impact on traffic flows, traffic switches to put new road layouts in place are undertaken at night. With new road layouts requiring changes to the way people travel, delays are to be expected and people are asked to take extra care when travelling through the area while everyone gets used to the new layouts, especially during morning and evening peak times. 

Traffic switches, and the work leading up to them, are carefully sequenced and weather dependent, with asphalting and line marking requiring dry conditions and minimum temperatures. 

The next changes are the opening of the remaining ramp at the State Highway 2 and 29A Te Maunga interchange at Baypark, and a reduction to a single lane in either direction on Girven Road between Bayfair roundabout and the Gloucester Road intersection.  

Opening SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange 

The remaining SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange ramp is scheduled to open to traffic from early tomorrow morning on Tuesday 15 August, weather dependent. There will be changes for people travelling on SH2 from Pāpāmoa and SH29A from Maungatapu. 

The traffic switch, including opening the ramp, the commissioning of new traffic lights on Te Maunga interchange and the closure of SH2 northbound underneath the interchange, got underway last night Sunday 13 August.  

Road closures for traffic switch  

The opening of the off-ramp will be staged, with the work required for this traffic switch to take place over four consecutive night shifts. To enable the traffic switch, overnight road closures of SH2 northbound between Sandhurst interchange and SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange will be required.  

The work is currently scheduled to take place from Sunday 13 August to Wednesday 16 August (from approximately 7pm to 6am each night). 

During these hours, SH2/TEL northbound will be fully closed between Sandhurst interchange and SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange. For road users travelling from Pāpāmoa/TEL towards Bayfair roundabout or the Bayfair flyover, a signposted detour via Mangatawa Link Road, Truman Lane, SH29A roundabout and SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange will apply. This is the same detour that currently applies for road users travelling from Pāpāmoa/TEL to SH29A. 

The new ramp is expected to open to the public under temporary traffic management from early morning on Tuesday 15 August and remain open during daytime hours only (from approximately 6am to 7pm) until the traffic switch is completed, after which it will be open 24/7.   

Temporary changes for road users following traffic switch 

The traffic switch will result in the following temporary changes for road users that are currently scheduled to take effect in the early morning tomorrow, Tuesday 15 August: 

 The remaining off-ramp approaching the interchange from Pāpāmoa will open to traffic. 

• All motorists travelling on SH2 from Pāpāmoa/TEL towards Mount Maunganui/city centre and towards SH29A/Maungatapu will temporarily use the new ramp up to the signalised interchange. 
• The current SH2 northbound lane under the interchange will close. Southbound SH2 road users will continue using SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange to connect with TEL or SH29A. 
• The existing detour for traffic from Pāpāmoa/TEL towards SH29A/Maungatapu (via Sandhurst Drive, Mangatawa Link Road and Truman Lane) will be removed. 
• For traffic from SH29A/Maungatapu towards the Bayfair roundabout or Bayfair flyover, the left-turning slip lane from the top of the interchange will be replaced by a signalised intersection. 
• The interchange will operate under temporary traffic management with a 50km/h speed limit in place. 

For more information, visit nzta.govt.nz/temaunga(external link) 

Changes to Girven Road 

Traffic switches around Bayfair roundabout and on Girven Road are scheduled from Wednesday 16 August to Friday 18 August 2023 (from approximately 7pm to 6am each night) to enable the next stages of construction to progress.  

While these shifts are underway there will be momentary rolling blocks on Girven Road and around Bayfair roundabout.  

Temporary changes for road users following traffic switches 

The traffic switches will result in the following temporary changes for road users that are currently scheduled to take effect in the early morning on Thursday 17 August:  

• Girven Road will be reduced to a single lane in both directions between Bayfair roundabout and the Gloucester Road intersection to allow for the completion of the central median island.  
• Left in/left out access to Bayfair Shopping Centre’s first entrance after Bayfair roundabout, other local businesses and residents on this section of Girven Road will be retained at all times.  
• When exiting Bayfair Shopping Centre at the signalised Gloucester Road/Girven Road intersection, the right lane only will be able to turn right onto Girven Road. In addition, light vehicles only will be able to turn left out of Bayfair Shopping Centre’s first entrance after Bayfair roundabout.  
• Two lanes in each direction on this section of Girven Road are currently expected to be restored in mid spring.  

People are asked to take extra care when travelling through the interchange and the roundabout as they get used to the new road layouts. Delays are to be expected. 

This work is weather-dependent. If it is delayed because of weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night/s. 

Waka Kotahi thanks drivers, local residents and business for their patience. 

 Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOct2QS6Dxs(external link)

Animation: Baypark to bayfair interchange animation – long with titles.mp(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers travelling between Wellington and Wairarapa can expect delays as road crews clear a slip on State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill.

The slip is on the Featherston side of the hill and is blocking one lane – it was reported around 2:45 this afternoon.

Contractors are on-site and working to clear the road. This is expected to take several hours.

Stop/Go traffic controls are in place, meaning drivers will experience delays when travelling through the affected area. Drivers travelling over the Remutaka Hill must factor extra time into their travel plans.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 18 August 2023.

Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

Daily updated closure information(external link) 

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Constellation Drive southbound off-ramp, 13 August
• Constellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 13 August

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

• Stanley Street westbound off-ramp, 15 August (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)
• Nelson Street eastbound off-ramp, 14 & 16-17 August

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 13 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 13 August
• South Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 13 August
• Mt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 13 August
• Northbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 14 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 14 August
• Highbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 14 August.
• East Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 14 August
• Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Manukau on-ramp, 13 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 13 August
• SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 13 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/ SH22 on-ramp, 15 August (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)
• Takanini southbound on-ramp, 15 August (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)
• Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/ SH22 on-ramp, 16-17 August (approx. 10pm to 5:00am)
• Takanini southbound on-ramp, 16-17 August
• Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 13-14 August
• Papakura southbound on-ramp, 13-19 August (24/7)
• Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 13-17 August
• Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 13-17 August
• Beaver Road southbound off-ramp, 15 & 17 August
• Beaver Road southbound on-ramp, 15 & 17 August
• Beaver Road northbound on-ramp, 14 August
• Beaver Road northbound off-ramp, 14 August
• Nikau Road northbound on-ramp, 14 August
• Ridge Road northbound off-ramp, 16 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
• Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 16 August
• SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 16 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
• Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 16 August
• Pokeno northbound off-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 16 August
• Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 16 August

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Southbound lanes between Lincoln Road off-ramp and Te Atatu on-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Lincoln Road southbound on-ramp, 17 August
• Great North Road westbound off-ramp, 14 August

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

• Hobsonville Road westbound off-ramp, 13-14 August

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

• Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 17 August
• Northbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 13 August
• Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 13 August
• Cavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 13 August

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

• None planned

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

• None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

• None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

• SH2 westbound to SH1 northbound, 16 August

Please follow the signposted detours. Waka Kotahi thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Current overnight closure information(external link) 

Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Planning is underway for the 2023 construction season starting September, and road users can expect to see work ramp up at key sites as part of the Takitimu North Link project.

Temporary haul road, Te Mete Valley 

Construction will begin mid-August on a temporary haul road into the Te Mete Valley to support the project’s summer earthworks season. The road will run alongside a small section of SH2 near Te Mete and Clarke roads.  

The single-lane haul road will be separated from traffic on SH2 with a temporary concrete barrier, which will be installed along with new road markings for narrower lanes, and barrier hit sticks overnight on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 August.    

We are asking road users to be aware of the new road layout and temporary speed limit of 60km/h on SH2 alongside the haul road – this will remain for the construction season. Please take care when travelling through this area. 

Traffic on SH2 will be maintained in a similar layout to what is there currently but road markings will be shifted slightly to create more room on the shoulder for the haul road. 

As the work is off-road, it is not expected to result in significant disruption to the state highway network, however previous work in the area has resulted in additional travel time during peak hours. 

Cambridge Road Overbridge tie-in works 

Major works to complete the new Cambridge Road overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko as part of the Takitimu North Link project will enter its final phase this September.

Works involve connecting the new bridge with Cambridge and Moffat roads, requiring traffic management which will impact journey times through this area.  More information will be available over coming weeks. 

Waka Kotahi advises road users to consider their travel while this work takes place, and to plan ahead with the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.  

Email your details to info@takitimunorthlink.co.nz to receive regular updates. 

Visit the Takitimu North Link project page to learn more about the project. 

Takitimu North Link project

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi is urging drivers travelling on State Highway 5 Napier-Taupō Road to be extra cautious today with heavy snow warnings in the area.

Metservice is forecasting snow to fall on SH5 to about 600 metres, with between two and three centimeres of snow to settle on the road.

Currently the warning is in place between 4pm and 10pm.

Roading contractors will be on the road to ensure they’re able to respond quickly to any potential issues.

Snow ploughs will also be used if the snow does settle on the road.

Waka Kotahi is reminding all road users to avoid travel if you can, take extreme care on the road and drive to conditions. Please also expect short-notice closures should conditions worsen and keep an eye on the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for any changes.

Driving in the ice and snow

• Drive slower than you normally would – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
• Avoid sudden braking or turning movements that could cause you to skid. 
• Accelerate smoothly and brake gently.
• Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.
• For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems, to avoid skidding or sliding pump the brake pedal in short rapid bursts rather than pressing long and hard.
• Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. In winter, especially in poor weather, double the two-second rule and leave a safe distance between you and the car you’re following.
• When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped for increased safety.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Bad weather and snow have closed State Highway 63 between Renwick and St Arnaud.

It means people traveling between Blenheim and the West Coast must detour via State Highway 6 and Nelson.

Drivers must avoid the area or delay their journey.

Winter weather conditions are affecting all highways in the top of the South Island, meaning driving conditions are hazardous.

For people heading further south, other highways are also closed due to snow:

• State Highway 7 – Springs Junction to Hanmer Springs Turnoff
• State Highway 73 – Arthurs Pass Village to Springfield (Porters Pass)
• State Highway 1 – Waitati to Dunedin(Leith Saddle)
• State Highway 87 – Outram to Middlemarch

Road users must take extra care on the roads. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.

Bad weather can also see roads closed at short notice. Please check road and weather conditions before your journey.