Category: Transport

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The long Labour weekend is almost upon us and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is encouraging people to use its Holiday Journey Planner to make the most of travel around Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

The Holiday Journey Planner is the up to date, interactive map with information on road works, closures and delays – because predicted peak times for travel regularly changes based on traffic incidents, weather or driver behaviour.

Holiday Journey Planner(external link)

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti System Manager Martin Colditz says local roading crews on the East Coast stopped work at midday today (Thursday) to make it easier for people travelling this long weekend – to minimise disruption.

State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier is one of the cyclone-damaged areas which has seen a lot of activity over the past 18 months.

Work is now finishing on more recovery sites on the lower section of Devil’s Elbow.

Two-lane access has been restored over the weekend to the lower section of the elbow including the elbow itself. A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will stay in place.

One section of stop/go traffic management will remain at an area known as Devil’s Corner, about 2 kilometres south of the elbow. A delay of up to 5 minutes through this site is still expected.

The lower section of Devil’s Elbow will be reduced temporarily to a single lane from next week while a final layer of asphalt is laid before being back to two lanes long-term in November.

“We are grateful to communities for their support during this frustrating recovery period, to crews for their hard work and road users for their understanding. We know it hasn’t been easy with so many worksites in operation and we do want to reiterate our thanks to people for their patience,” says Mr Colditz.

Further north, traffic lights will remain in place through worksites at Otoko Hill, and one section will remain as a single lane.

“Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there’s no need to rush. By keeping up to date with our Journey Planner, you can minimise your travel time and make the most of your destination,” says Mr Colditz.

Roadworkers will restart at sites across the region from 7am on Tuesday.

During the long weekend, there will be crews responding to emergency call outs and works if and when needed. If you need to report anything urgently, including potholes, please call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

As people gear up to make the most of the first long weekend in several months by hitting the road, headed for their favourite holiday spots, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is encouraging everyone to drive safe and plan ahead to avoid the busiest times on state highways across Auckland and Northland.

NZTA has updated its Holiday Journeys interactive travel planner for Labour weekend. The tool shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes in Auckland, Northland and further afield over the long weekend, based on travel patterns from previous years.

Holiday Journeys(external link)

NZTA Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations for Auckland and Northland, Jacqui Hori-Hoult, says where possible, people should aim to travel outside the busiest periods.

“In Northland, delays are predicted on State Highway 1 at Whangārei for northbound traffic from late Friday morning, right through until around 7pm that evening, with the heaviest traffic expected between 2pm and 6pm. Delays for southbound traffic are spread across the weekend, on Friday afternoon, Saturday from mid-morning through to lunch and an hour and half either side of lunch on Sunday. Traffic is busy for much of the day on Monday, with the worst expected between 11am and 3pm.

“Traffic is expected to be busy on SH1 between Puhoi and Wellsford between noon and around 7.30pm on Friday, and again between 10.30am and 2pm on Saturday. Southbound, people can expect delays on Monday between 10am and 6.30pm, with the worst predicted between noon and 6pm,” Ms Hori-Hoult says.

“Further south, people should expect traffic across the weekend for travel northbound between Bombay and Manukau. Those travelling in the opposite direction can expect delays between 10.30am and 7.30pm on Friday, particularly between 11.30am and 6.30pm, and again between 9am and 2pm on Saturday, with the heaviest traffic expected between 11am and 1.30pm.”

Because predicted travel times can change based on traffic incidents, weather or driver behaviour, people should visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for real-time travel information, traffic cameras, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures before they travel.

Journey Planner(external link)

While most work stops before busy holiday travel periods like the Labour Day long weekend to minimise disruption to people’s journeys, the State Highway 16 Newton Road westbound on-ramp will be closed from 9pm on Friday 25 October to 5am on Tuesday 29 October to allow crews to work around the clock replacing the bridge joints.

Labour weekend closure for Newton Rd westbound on-ramp(external link)

There will also be lane and speed restrictions on Newton Road, with traffic flow maintained in both directions. Piwakawaka Street will be one way during this time, with entry from Newton Road only. The pedestrian path from Newton Road to Takau Street will also be closed.

Ms Hori-Hoult says everyone should take extra care when travelling over the holiday weekend due to increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.

“We can all take simple actions to stay safe. That means checking your car is safe before your journey, keeping your speed down, driving sober, watching for the signs of fatigue and sharing the driving.

Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there’s no need to rush.

“Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.

“Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely and take regular breaks to stay alert.”

---

Tips for safe driving on your Labour Weekend holiday

Plan ahead. Use our Holiday Journey Planner to find out when the peak traffic times will be and time your travel to avoid them.

Labour day weekend holiday journeys(external link)

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there is no need to rush. 
• For more information, check out our helpful holiday driving tips:
  Driving in the holidays(external link)

Vehicle safety

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
  • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
  • Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
  • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
  • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.
• For more information on self-checks, visit our Check your car web page:
  Check your car – safety basics(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Labour Weekend is now upon us after a long winter and spring with no public holidays. With it comes holiday road trips and more traffic on the roads.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South, says with more traffic comes the need to take extra care when driving.

“Holidays are about creating happy memories, which is why we want everyone to think about the driving basics if they’re heading away this weekend.”

“Holiday traffic means there will be congestion on highways in and out of Wellington late Friday and Monday. If you’re in queued traffic, be patient. Our helpful Holiday Journey Planner can help you avoid peak travel times and save you some traffic jam stress,” Mr Owen says.

Holiday Journey Planner (external link)

Mr Owen says carrying out some basic checks before you drive can save you grief too.

“Check your tyre pressures, coolant and oil levels. Punctures, overheating, and engine troubles are not what you need on a road trip.”

“Also, check the weather too. If the forecast is bad, allow some extra time for your journey,” Mr Owen says.

But the most critical advice Mr Owen has is to drive safely.

“We may sound like a broken record when we tell people to be patient and not to speed, to keep left unless passing, to not drive when tired, and to always wear your seatbelt.”

“But we say it because it matters. Small mistakes can have devastating consequences. For you, your friends and family, and other drivers,” Mr Owen says.

---

Weather Warnings

The Metservice has issued weather alerts for the lower North and upper South Islands.

A Strong Wind Watch is in force for Wairarapa, Wellington, and the Marlborough Sounds from late today (Thursday) to early Friday morning, with severe northwest gales forecast for exposed areas.

Drivers travelling on State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully must take extra care.

On top of the South Island, a Heavy Rain Warning has been issued for the Tasman District northwest of Motueka from late today (Thursday) to early Friday morning. This will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay.

Drivers should be prepared for slips, rockfalls, localised flooding and wet driving conditions. Please watch your speed and following distances, and drive to the conditions.

Road users are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel.

Metservice warnings(external link)

Journey planner – Highway conditions(external link)

---

Tips for safe driving on your Labour Weekend holiday

Plan ahead. Use our Holiday Journey Planner to find out when the peak traffic times will be and time your travel to avoid them.

Labour day weekend holiday journeys(external link)

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there is no need to rush. 
• For more information, check out our helpful holiday driving tips:
  Driving in the holidays(external link)

Vehicle safety

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
  • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
  • Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
  • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
  • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.
• For more information on self-checks, visit our Check your car web page:
  Check your car – safety basics(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

MetService and meteorologists are warning people travelling this week and over Labour Weekend to be ready for changeable weather and in some places torrential rain.

Two storm surges are forecast, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), with the first starting over Te Wai Pounamu/the South Island today and tomorrow.

---

Milford Sound Piopiotahi highway, SH94 closed today and Thursday

Intense rain has elevated the avalanche risk on this route today, closing it today and Thursday. Reopening Friday will be subject to avalanche risk and storm clearance work. Updates here: (external link)

Journey Planner – Southland closures(external link)

---

West Coast and alpine passes

West Coast drivers on SH6 south of Harihari need to be ready for heavy rain and possible flooding from rivers like the Waiho near Franz Josef later today and into tomorrow.

Visibility in heavy rain can be minimal and SH6 can flood in low-lying places. “Drivers should avoid travelling at night and leave double the normal travelling distance to the car in front in torrential rain,” says Mark Pinner, System Manager for NZTA, Central South Island.

Roads will close if conditions deteriorate and people could encounter fallen trees and slips so be ready to slow down at short notice, says Mr Pinner.

Heavy rain is forecast to move to alpine areas of SH73, the Arthur’s Pass/ Otira highway, and further north on the West Coast later Thursday into Friday.

• Rain is forecast to ease south of Arthur’s Pass, SH73, by early Friday and other areas later on Friday.
• Canterbury river catchments like the Rakaia and Rangitata are also forecast to catch huge amounts of rain in the headwaters.

---

Second storm over weekend

The second storm is forecast to affect the upper half of the South Island on Saturday bringing heavy rain, including eastern areas.

Kaikōura, Nelson, Marlborough, and Buller could all catch this rainfall as well as the eastern foothills, say meteorologists.

With cold air forecast for Saturday also along the Main Divide alpine pass travellers need to keep up-to-date on conditions and any restrictions –  for example, if chains are required and no-towing vehicles in places like Porters or Arthur’s Pass.

NZTA advises people to check these sites before heading away and drive prepared – with snacks, water and blankets and a safe vehicle with good windscreen wipers:

Metservice warnings(external link)

Journey planner – Highway conditions(external link)

---

Labour Weekend popular travelling time

“There will likely be heavy traffic over the long weekend as large numbers of people head out of main centres to holiday destinations. If you can avoid peak travel times it will make the trip a lot more enjoyable,” says Mr Pinner.

Check the NZTA Labour Weekend journey planner for an indication of times and days traffic has been heavy on key highway routes here: 

Labour day weekend holiday journeys(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Night and day-time closures are planned for State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill next month, as the state highway summer maintenance season continues in the top of the South Island.

Rob Service, System Manager, Top of the South, says the work is deliberately timed for November to ensure the route is clear for all drivers over the summer holidays.

“Golden Bay is a popular holiday spot and summer sees busy roads. So, we want to get this work done before the summer holiday season.”

Between Sunday, 3 November, and Sunday, 24 November, the road will be closed every Sunday to Thursday between 8 pm and 5:30 am with a short opening around 1 am for queued traffic.

Then from Monday, 25 November, until Friday, 29 November the highway will be closed between 9 am and 3 pm. During this time, the road will be reopened every 90 minutes to let traffic through.

Mr Service says it’ s a good idea to have water and snacks in your vehicle if you’re travelling over the hill during this time.

Because of the road’s narrowness and to keep contractors safe, the road must be closed while the work is done. It will also allow the maintenance to be completed much faster.

Mr Service says there is a lot of work to be done.

“Contractors will spend the first two weeks of night-time closures asphalting parts of the road surface on both sides of the hill, carrying out other maintenance work, such as clearing water channels, fixing slips and guard rails, and attending to general maintenance.”

“Some of this work, such as asphalting, must be done during the day when conditions are warm and dry to ensure it’s effective. This is why some daytime road closures are needed,” Mr Service says.

He acknowledges travel over the Tākaka Hill is vital for residents and local businesses, and their needs are important.

“This is why there will be day-time access on the route. We are timing the day closures to avoid the school bus run and peak commuting times. We realise the work is disruptive, but we are working our hardest to meet community needs and ensure the highway is kept resilient and reliable.”

“Regular road maintenance like this is essential in preventing more disruptive ones later on.”

Contractors will make the most of the closure to speed up repair work at the underslip site on the Riwaka side of the hill.

“We know this route is critical to the residents and businesses in Golden Bay and we aim is to have this section of road repaired and reopened to two lanes before Christmas,” Mr Service says.

Once contractors have completed asphalting work on Tākaka Hill they will move onto SH60 Commercial Street in Takāka. More information on this work will be shared soon.

Works Schedule: 

• Work is from Sunday, 3 November, to Friday, 29 November 2024.

Night closures:

• The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Sunday, 3 November to Sunday, 24 November (no work on Friday or Saturday nights).
• The closures will be between 8 pm and 5:30 am.
• The road will open once each night around 1 am for traffic at two road closure points.
• Vehicles travelling over the hill need to be at the Aaron Creek Road closure point by 12:30 am or at the Riwaka Valley Road closure point by 1 am.
• Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.

Day closures:

• The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Monday, 25 November to Friday, 29 November.
• The closures will be between 9 am and 3 pm.
• During this time there will be openings every 90 minutes at 10:30 am, 12 noon and 1:30 pm.
• It will take some time to clear queued traffic so plan ahead for delays.
• Traffic management will be set up between 6 am and 9 am and will be removed between 3 pm and 6 pm.
• Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.

Works Location:

View larger map [PDF, 2.4 MB]

Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:

• Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
• Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 30 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.
• We recommend allowing an extra 60 minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
• Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
• Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.

More Information:

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

People who drive between Akaroa and Little River on SH75 might like to diarise some night work coming up between Little River and Barrys Bay, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Work on the Akaroa side of Hilltop gets underway next Tuesday night, 29 October, after Labour Weekend, from 9 pm at night to 5 am the next day. The resurfacing work, taking a fortnight, runs through to the morning of Tuesday, 12 November.

Detour for light vehicles and general access trucks only

There is a detour via the higher Summit Road, Duvauchelle Stock Route and Pigeon Bay Road (towards Akaroa – reverse for traffic going to Little River) while this work is happening, for light vehicles and trucks – under 46 Tonne only. However, please note this is a winding and steep route.

Work with no detour

There is work on the Christchurch/Little River side of Hilltop also over two nights which has no detour route. This involves renewing the asphalt along this winding route from the base of the hill at Puaha up to Hilltop.

Tuesday and Wednesday nights into Thursday morning (12, 13, 14 November) are the dates, 9 pm to 5 am.

Access will only be considered for essential light vehicle travel with prior coordination with the construction team, and for emergency services. No heavy vehicle access will be possible on these nights.  (Email southernlink@downer.co.nz for essential access permissions.)

Daytimes will be busy also going to and from Akaroa

With summer maintenance work well underway in Canterbury, expect to see sealing teams and repair crews out and about. On the Akaroa highway in particular, expect to see in the weeks ahead:

• Hilltop guardrail project road surface remedial work
• Christchurch City Council side road reseals – possible delays at intersections with SH75 eg Wainui Main Road.

NZTA thanks all road users for building in extra time on these routes and avoiding SH75 on the nights of major reseals and asphalting.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers need to be ready for roadworks State Highway 6 – Kohatu-Kawatiri, with road reconstruction due to begin next week.

Contractors will be on the job near Tunnicliff Bridge, between Motupiko and Korere, for six weeks beginning Monday, 29 October. The work will continue through to Friday, 6 December. 

The highway’s pavement has reached the end of its life, and contractor will be carrying out long-term repairs to the road.

For the first three weeks (29 October to 15 November) the work will be carried out during the day from Monday to Friday under stop/go traffic controls. Drivers will need to factor in around 15-minute delays through the area.

Between 18 and 29 November, the highway will be closed during the day between Motupiko and Korere due to the narrowness of the Tunnicliffe Bridge section of the road. A local road detour will be available during this time, but drivers must allow an extra 20 minutes of travel time.

From 2 to 6 December, the site will return to daytime stop/go as road crews tidy up and disestablish the site.

Temporary speed limits will be in place while the repairs are underway. It is essential  all road users follow them – they are there to keep drivers and workers safe, and also to protect newly laid road surfaces from damage.

Every effort is being made to minimise disruption for the public,  with the work timed to begin after Labour Weekend be complete before the busy Christmas holiday season. It ensures the road will be roadwork-free when traffic is at its busiest.

Access through the  closure zone will be available to residents, businesses, and emergency services.

Works Schedule: 

• Work is from Tuesday, 29 October, to Friday, 6 December 2024.
• Working hours: 7:00 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday (no night-time or weekend work).
• Stop/go controls and a reduced temporary speed limit in place from Tuesday, 29 October, to Friday 15 November. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
• Full road closure in place from Monday, 18 November, to Friday, 29 November between Motupiko and Korere.
• Detour via Korere-Tophouse Rd, Kerr Hill Rd, Stock Rd, and Wai-iti Valley Rd. Traffic lights and 30km/hr speed restrictions will be in place at Jansens Bridge on Kerr Hill Rd. The detour is suitable for all vehicles but approval for permitted vehicles (e.g. O/W or HPMV) will be required from Tasman District Council.
• Allow an extra 20-minutes travel time for your journey.
• The site will reopen outside work hours under a reduced temporary speed limit.
• Traffic management will remain in place during weekends and nights (between 5.30 PM and 7:00 AM Monday to Friday).
• Access through the works zone will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
• From Monday, 2 December to Friday, 6 December the site will return to stop/go and a reduced temporary speed limit between 7.00 am and 5.30 pm to allow crews to tidy up and disestablish the site.

Works Location:

View larger map [PDF, 2.2 MB]

Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:

• Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region including on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast. Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
• Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.

More Information:

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency