Media Release
Auckland Regional Office
Media Release
Thursday 29 May 2008, 10:00
SH16 alternative route to Northland recommended this Queen's Birthday weekend
Transit New Zealand would like to remind motorists that the scenic State Highway 16 (SH16) alternative route is usually less congested than State Highway 1 (SH1) and can save time when travelling to and from Northland this Queen's Birthday weekend.
Congestion between Silverdale and Warkworth often causes lengthy delays for motorists heading to destinations north of Wellsford on SH1. To help motorists avoid this, electronic message signs will indicate where to leave SH1 and take SH16 as soon as queues start developing.
Motorists should look out for electronic signs on SH1 south of the Silverdale exit when leaving Auckland, and immediately north of Wellsford when returning. Motorists are advised to travel outside the busy afternoon peak and avoid queues heading into Wellsford.
SH16 can be reached by:
- Taking the Northern Motorway (SH1) exiting at the Silverdale off-ramp and joining SH16 at Kaukapakapa (via Kahikatea Flat Rd); or
- Taking the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and continuing via Westgate and Helensville
The SH16 route then rejoins SH1 at Wellsford.
"Winter weather and heavy traffic over Queen's Birthday weekend means motorists should plan their route well. Use alternative route via SH16 for a less stressful drive and to help reduce travel times," says Transit Regional Manager Peter Spies.
Transit encourages motorists to take regular breaks and drive to the conditions over the long weekend.
More information on driving over the long weekend, and a map showing the alternative route, is available at www.transit.govt.nz/road/holiday.jsp
For more information please contact:
Peter Spies
Transit Regional Manager
Tel 64 9 368 2000
Fax 64 9 368 2059
Visit us at www.transit.govt.nz