Motorists to benefit from new real-time travel information signs

The switch was flicked this morning on six new real time travel information signs installed by Auckland Transport on a key arterial route between Auckland International Airport and the city centre.

The electronic message boards give drivers advanced information about estimated travel times between their current and intended destinations, giving them time to plan route changes and cutting down on potentially unsafe manoeuvres.

Information on the six signs - located on George Bolt Memorial Drive (airport end), Queenstown Road (bottom end, after SH20 off-ramp), Manukau Road (corner of Rangiatea Rd on northbound approach to Greenlane West intersection, southbound approach to Greenlane West intersection, Newmarket end approaching Great South Rd/St Marks Rd intersection) and Gillies Ave (opposite Albury Ave) - will be refreshed every 20 seconds.

Auckland Transport CEO David Warburton says drivers will now have the benefit of end-to-end travel information on motorway on-ramps and the key arterial road (Route 12) between Auckland Airport and the central city.

"As part of our 'One Network, One Customer' approach, Auckland Transport worked closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to secure signage technology that integrated with its existing real-time travel information signage network," Dr Warburton says.

"The result is an enhanced signage network that provides effective end-to-end travel information that benefits Auckland's road users and helps to create a safer and more efficient road network.

"The technology will be of particular benefit to commuters, taxi drivers and tourists, particularly during the Rugby World Cup, when extra demands will be placed on the road network and there will a marked increase in traffic between Auckland's airport and city centre."

Adapting NZTA technology already in use for motorway drivers to the city's key arterial roads is a great collaborative result for both the Transport Agency and Auckland Transport, says the NZTA's State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker.

"Real time messaging is one part of an exciting and expanding range of information services to help all drivers make better and safer choices about their journeys, and we look forward to continuing our work with Auckland Transport to deliver more of those benefits," Mr Parker says.

The NZTA's electronic signage at Hobson St, Symonds St and Queenstown Rd now also includes travel times to the airport, in addition to its motorway off-ramp destinations.

About Auckland Transport

Auckland Transport is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) of Auckland Council. It is responsible for all of the region's transport services (excluding state highways) - from roads and footpaths, to cycling, parking and public transport.

Among its main tasks are:

§ To design, build and maintain Auckland's roads, ferry wharves, cycleways and walkways.

§ Co-ordinate road safety and community transport initiatives such as school travel

§ Plan and fund bus, train and ferry services across Auckland.

© Scoop Media