Alternative routes again recommended

Auckland Regional Office

20 December 2005

Alternative routes again recommended this holiday season

To enjoy reduced travel times and less stressful motoring when heading north of Auckland this coming Christmas and New Year holiday period, Transit New Zealand recommends motorists take the alternative route to Northland via State Highway 16 (SH16).

Motorists should be on the lookout for road signs on State Highway 1 (SH1) - south of the Silverdale exit when leaving Auckland and immediately north of Wellsford when returning - directing them to the alternative route when queues build up.

Congestion between Silverdale and Warkworth during peak times often causes lengthy delays for motorists heading to destinations north of Wellsford on SH1. Transit, the New Zealand Police and Rodney District Council will again be working closely to make travelling easier and safer, for the large numbers of holidaymakers expected to head north over the coming summer holidays.

When queues start developing, electronic message signs will show motorists where to leave SH1 and take SH16. The alternative route north on SH16 can be reached:

* From the North Shore: on SH1 (Northern Motorway) - take Upper Harbour Highway exit 414, Greville Rd exit 412 or Silverdale exit 398. * From central Auckland: at Central Motorway Junction take exit 428 onto Northwestern Motorway (SH16).

SH16 rejoins SH1 at Wellsford.

"The alternative route is an effective way for holidaymakers to avoid the frustrations of the often long delays through Orewa and Warkworth," says Transit Regional Manager, Richard Hancy.

"It makes sense for people travelling past Wellsford to destinations such as Dargaville, Whangarei and beyond - to bypass Orewa and Warkworth on SH16. The route is 12 kilometres longer, but usually quicker and less stressful than SH1."

Transit encourages motorists to drive safely over the Christmas and New Year holiday and avoid fatigue, by stopping to revive before starting to drive. More information on holiday driving and a map showing the alternative route, is available at www.transit.govt.nz and www.trafficnz.info

ENDS

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