Auckland Regional Office

1 June 2006

Media Release

Alternative route north again recommended this Queen’s Birthday weekend

To enjoy less stressful driving in potentially wet weather when heading north of Auckland this coming Queen’s Birthday weekend, Transit New Zealand recommends motorists again take the alternative route north via State Highway 16 (SH16).

Motorists should be on the look out 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 SH16 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. When queues start developing, electronic message signs will show motorists where to leave SH1 and take SH16, which can be reached:

- from the North Shore: on the Northern Motorway (SH1) - take Upper Harbour Highway exit 414, Greville Rd exit 412 or Silverdale exit 398.

- from central Auckland: take exit 428 onto the Northwestern Motorway (SH16).

The SH16 route rejoins SH1 at Wellsford.

Transit encourages motorists to drive safely over the long weekend and slow down in wet conditions.

More information on driving over the long weekend and a map showing the alternative route, is available at www.transit.govt.nz and www.trafficnz.info

ENDS

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