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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

If you, your friends or family are travelling this weekend, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging you to visit the online Holiday Journeys traffic prediction tool before you set off.

Holiday Journeys traffic prediction tool(external link)

Bay of Plenty System Manager, Roger Brady says holiday traffic is predicted to be particularly busy for both the Auckland Anniversary and Waitangi Day holiday weekends, with Kiwis continuing to explore their own backyard in record numbers.

“The roads to and from Tauranga, especially Mount Maunganui, are likely to be very busy.

“While we’re encouraging people to use the Holiday Journeys tool to help plan their trips, predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather or even driver behaviour, so we’re also encouraging people to check real-time updates by visiting our interactive Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) before they travel.

“This provides traffic information and updates on delays, road works and road closures.”

“We know congestion and delays can be frustrating, however, the most important thing is that everyone gets to their destination safely. Please plan ahead, be patient and drive to the conditions,” says Mr Brady.

“Speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone on the road at risk. Even when it isn’t the direct cause of a crash, speed is often the difference between someone walking away unharmed or being seriously injured or killed.

“For everyone’s safety, please slow down.”

This is what you can expect to see on your journey between Waihī and Tauranga this week

Ongoing safety improvement works (between 7am-6pm)

Minimal delays of one to two minutes with cones marking out works and road layout changes at the following sites:

  • Athenree Road to Tanners Point Road
  • Hikurangi Road to Tuapiro Road
  • Rea Road / Tetley Road intersection
  • Lund Road to Aongatete Road
  • Wainui River Bridge to south of Sargent Drive
  • Apata Station Road to Esdaile Road

Please follow the temporary traffic management signs while driving through these sites.

Takitimu North Link enabling works, ecological and environmental investigations continuing (affected local roads)

  • Wairoa Road (off SH2) – Service relocations underway and continuing until mid-March, Stop/Go traffic management will be in place.
  • Cambridge Road – Site clearance is continuing, and tree felling will be happening near 312 Cambridge Road, on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 February between 9am and 3pm. Stop/Go will be in place and anticipated to cause delays of up to three minutes for each tree felled.

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, works may be postponed.

We advise to keep an eye on our Waikato/BOP Facebook page for any changes to major planned works and check the interactive Journey Planner website for the latest information on roadworks, traffic, road closures and detours before you travel. See links below.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

MIL OSI