19 April 2016

Stay safe on Canterbury and West Coast roads this ANZAC weekend

Drivers heading away for ANZAC weekend can minimise stress and increase everyone’s safety by planning their journey and driving with care, says the NZ Transport Agency.

Many roads north and south of Christchurch will be busy and ANZAC Day services on Mondaymay create the need for short-term detours in many places.

In Canterbury and on the West Coast, roads should not be as busy as Easter, based on previous years’ traffic volumes, says the Transport Agency’s Journey Manager Lee Wright.

"There will be traffic lights on the Bealey Bridge, State Highway 73, and at Mingha Bluff at the entrance to Arthur’s Pass, a longer term road realignment. People should expect short delays.”

The Transport Agency encourages people to check tyres, indicators, wind-wipers and lights before they load up the car.

“Planning your journey and being a considerate driver will help everyone to get to their destination safely to enjoy the long weekend. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking regular breaks or sharing the driving where possible,” said Ms Wright.

The Transport Agency is stopping all maintenance work in Canterbury and the West Coast over the ANZAC weekend, as the summer work season comes to an end. Drivers are asked to observe speed restrictions on the Christchurch highway projects - Russley Road to Ryans Road, the Groynes to Sawyers Arms Road, and Dyers Road in Bexley.

• Look up the traffic congestion HotSpots showing locations and times of peak congestion for ANZAC Weekend here.

• Find an ANZAC Day service here.

• For the latest on highway conditions, go to www.highwayinfo.govt.nz, phone the Transport Agency’s 0800 4 HIGHWAYS info line or check the Facebook pages.(www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland)

• Canterbury/ West Coast Transport Agency Twitter page here @NZTACWC

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