Transit New Zealand

Auckland Regional Office

1 June 2005

Media Release

Auckland motorway exit numbering

Transit New Zealand is making Auckland motorway off-ramps and links more user-friendly with the introduction of an exit numbering system.

Installation of exit numbering signs has already begun, and Transit expects to complete the project by the end of August. Motorway exit signs will be mounted on all off-ramps and links on Auckland motorways.

Exit numbers are distance based and determined by the number of kilometres from the beginning of the highway. For example, on the Northern Motorway (SH1) calculation of distance begins at SH1’s origin in Cape Reinga, the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) calculation begins at the Port, and the Southwestern Motorway (SH20) begins at its link with SH1. The following are example of new exit numbers on Auckland’s motorways:

State Highway 1 (Northern motorway) measured from the origin of SH1 at Cape Reinga:

· Silverdale - Exit 398, Oteha Valley Rd - Exit 410, Greville Rd - Exit 412

State Highway 16 (Northwestern Motorway) measured from the origin at the Port:

· St Lukes Rd - Exit 6, Great North Rd - Exit 8, Rosebank Rd - Exit 11

State Highway 20 (Southwestern Motorway) measured from the origin at SH1:

· Lambie Drive - Exit 2, Nesdale Ave - Exit 3, Massey Rd - Exit 7

“The introduction of exit numbering will make navigating the motorway system easier for motorists, especially visitors to Auckland. It will also help the emergency services respond more quickly to incidents such as break downs or crashes,” says Transit Regional Manager Richard Hancy.

The new numbers will be reflected in street maps and on Variable Message Signs (temporary electronic signs) improving efficiency and safety on Auckland motorways.

Instead of replacing existing ramp and link signs, new exit number signs will be attached above them. Motorists will have the choice of navigating by exit name or number.

Says Mr Hancy: “Exit numbering is an international standard which has been implemented in a number of countries including Australia, the United States and Great Britain with great success. Visitors to Auckland will no longer need to remember unfamiliar place names to find the right motorway exit, and instead will be able to use a method more familiar to them.”

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