Be ready for Easter traffic. Don’t get caught on the hop!

With the Easter holidays upon us, drivers must be fully prepared before they hit the road at the end of this week.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington and Top of the South, says the number of cars on the region’s highways always peak at the start and end of holiday weekends.

“Any time there’s peak traffic, there is also congestion. With that comes frustration and sometimes aggravation for road users. Waka Kotahi wants to minimise the hassles of holiday travel and make easier for people to get to where they’re going.”

“Part of this”, Mr Owen says, “is making sure we run a moratorium on roadworks over the holiday weekend to make sure there are fewer delays on the state highway network. There will still be temporary speed limits at works sites. But where possible, we’ve shut down our maintenance and project sites to help keep the traffic flowing”.

The other tool available to help people get where they’re going is the Waka Kotahi Holiday Journey Planner.

Easter Holiday Planner - Wellington(external link)

Easter Holiday Planner - Tasman(external link)

Mr Owen says the Holiday Planner is a handy tool that lets drivers know when to expect peak traffic times.

‘For people travelling in and out of Wellington on State Highway 1 and State Highway 2, it’s well worth using the planner. Knowing when the traffic volumes will be heaviest means you can avoid these times and dodge the queues.”

Mr Owen is urging people to drive safely and make sure they make it to their destinations.

“Holidays are supposed to bring happy memories. But far too often, they’re marred by fatal crashes that leave families broken and friends and relatives distraught.”

“Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive before you go. Follow the speed limits and drive to the conditions. If the weather is bad, slow down and watch your following distances. Remember, it’s better to arrive late than dead on time”. Mr Owen says.

Travel tips and advice:

Top of South Island

Classic Fighters at Omaka Aerodrome south of Blenheim:

• Blenheim will be busier than usual particularly around the Omaka Aerodrome on the south side of town. For information on access, buses, park and ride, and car parks: https://www.classicfighters.co.nz/getting-there(external link)

Picton Ferry Terminal works:

• Due to an ongoing Kiwirail project, from 3 April, all ferry traffic in Picton – including private passenger vehicles – will have to use the Lagoon Road entrance to access the ferry terminals.
  Works update(external link)

State Highway 1, Wheelers Hill, Marlborough - pavement works:

• Due to ongoing roadworks, here will be Stop/Go traffic management with a 30 km/h speed restriction in place until 6 pm Thursday, 6 April. Traffic delays here are likely on Thursday afternoon.

State Highway 1, single lane north of Kaikōura:

• Drivers will face a short delay at Ōhau Point where a pile drilling rig takes up a lane, controlled by traffic signals 24/7.  Currently there are up to five-minute delays at this spot, but over Easter delays could be up to ten minutes due to higher traffic volumes.

Lower North Island

State Highway 2 Wairarapa safety improvements:

• Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place through this project site. Delays are likely during peak traffic times.

State Highway 1, Kapiti, North of Otaki:

• Expect delays, due to high volumes of traffic, north of Otaki and use planner to avoid the peak times. Particularly northbound Thursday and Friday and Southbound on Monday.

State Highway 58, Paremata:

• Expect delays and detours, due to closures to allow emergency work to reinstate power infrastructure.