High traffic expected for Queenstown International Marathon

"Allow plenty of time to reach your destination and be patient" is the advice for visitors and locals over the next few days, as the population of the Queenstown area swells by up to 20,000 people ahead of the Queenstown International Marathon.

Mayor Vanessa van Uden said that the Council and NZTA were working closely with event organisers to manage the traffic associated with the marathon.

Part of the newly formed roadway on SH6 at Five Mile would be brought into use and the pedestrian crossing on Stanley St outside the courthouse would be controlled to keep traffic flowing.

"We know that today and tomorrow will be busy, as competitors come into central Queenstown to register, and then on Saturday morning 9000 people will be converging on the start lines at Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and Frankton.

"We expect the sort of traffic we usually see over the summer holiday peaks, and I'm asking everyone to be patient and courteous towards our visitors," Mayor van Uden said.

"If possible, travel via Arthur's Point rather than through Frankton if your journey is between Queenstown and Arrowtown or Cromwell, and please allow extra time to reach your destination."

Mayor van Uden also had a message for competitors and their supporters. "You've come to see us while we're in a period of fast growth and we're working hard to finish several major roading projects that will help everyone reach their destination faster. We offer you a warm welcome and, on this visit, suggest you drive like a local: plan your journey, leave early, and be patient - everyone gets there in the end."

ENDS

© Scoop Media