Auckland Regional Office
20 January 2004

MEDIA RELEASE

Aucklanders heading north this holiday weekend are once again encouraged by Transit to use the alternative route via State Highway 16 if travelling north of Wellsford.

Over the recent Christmas and New Year period, many holiday makers took advantage of the alternative route and enjoyed reduced travelling times.

“We are extremely pleased that our message is getting through,” says Transit Regional Manager, Wayne McDonald. “We are helping motorists by signposting the route and giving advance warnings of delays on State Highway 1.”

Delays along State Highway 1, between Silverdale and Walkworth are caused by traffic queuing through Orewa. “It makes sense for motorists travelling to points past Wellsford to locations such as Matakana and Omaha to go around Orewa by using State Highway 16,” says Mr McDonald.

SH16 can be easily reached by travelling to the end of the Northwestern Motorway and then through Kumeu and Helensville to Wellsford. Alternatively, it can be reached from SH1 via the Silverdale off-ramp, then SH17 and Kahikatea Flat Road.

SH16 between Silverdale and Wellsford is only 12 kilometres longer than SH1, so motorists travelling at peak times will save time. “Although SH16 is a rural state highway, it is in very good condition and time-wise it is usually much quicker than travelling along SH1 during peak travel times,” says Mr McDonald.

More information for motorists and a map showing the alternative route is available at www.transit.govt.nz. Motorists can also call 0800 73 73 25 for more information.

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