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