Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising travellers to the Coromandel Peninsula plan ahead for a safe journey, as there are still many damaged sites with restrictions in place.
“Other than SH25A, the highways around the Coromandel are open for people to travel to and from holiday destinations, and to visit friends and family,” NZTA system manager for the Waikato Cara Lauder said.
“We just urge people to allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenic route. There will be road works and stop/go in areas, but the work has been designed to minimise inconvenience to travellers.
“We encourage everyone to support the Coromandel, but please be patient and observe traffic management which is there to keep you and our workers safe,” Ms Lauder says.
Areas to note:
- State Highway 25 (SH25) around Tairua, is expected to be busy northbound all afternoon until 8pm on Thursday 6 April and again on Friday from 9am until around 5.30pm.
- The heaviest traffic southbound will be on Monday 10 April from 9am until 2pm.
- SH25 is also under stop/go traffic management between Opoutere and Hikuai due to an underslip. Slip repair works begin after Easter, which will see the potential for road closures for up to 30 minutes between 9.30am and 2.30pm daily. Read more on this below.
In the Coromandel, State Highway 25 (SH25) around Tairua, is expected to be busy northbound all afternoon until 8pm on Thursday 6 April and again on Friday from 9am until around 5.30pm.
The heaviest traffic southbound will be on Monday 10 April from 9am until 2pm.
The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency holiday journey planner shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes all over the country during holiday periods, based on previous years’ travel patterns.
Holiday journey planner(external link)
It’s a helpful tool, with school holidays from Easter to 24 April and Anzac Day 25 April. Key routes will be busy in over the next two to three weeks.
Kane Patena, Waka Kotahi Director of Land Transport urges everyone heading away to plan ahead for a safe journey, especially in areas affected by recent severe weather.
“Our teams have put in a huge effort over the past six weeks to repair flood and slip damage and re-open most highways in Northland, Coromandel, Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay. We’re thrilled that these roads ready for people to travel to and from holiday destinations, and to visit friends and family.
“There are still many damaged sites with restrictions in place on several routes, and we’re urging people to allow plenty of time for their journeys, share the driving to avoid fatigue and be patient when traffic is heavy and there are delays,” Mr Patena says.