Motorists heading to Northland over the Christmas period are being warned to expect delays and possible congestion on the roads.
Several construction sites on State Highway 1 are likely to affect the journey times of many, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) warns.
Although constructing crews won't be working on the sites, the temporary speed limits will remain in place, says Jacqui Hori-Hoult, NZTA's Northland system manager.
"Road works cease from midday on Thursday 19 December and start again on Monday 6 January," says Hori-Houl.
"Temporary speed restrictions will remain in place due to the narrower lanes, road cones and barriers throughout our work sites."
The one exception is the Brynderwyn Hills, says Hori-Hoult. Although the northbound passing lane will remain closed until March, when retaining-wall repairs are completed, the temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be returned to 80 km/h over the Christmas and New Year period.
Hori-Hoult is urging patience from motorists.
"We want everyone to arrive safely at their destinations. We're making the roads better and safer for everyone, but we need motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys."
NZTA estimates that the busiest day of travel heading north from Auckland will be Friday, between midday and 7pm, between Puhoi and Warkworth. Over Saturday, Sunday and Monday, traffic is expected to be busiest between 10am and 4pm.
Heading south from Auckland, the heaviest traffic is expected at Takanini between midday and 7pm on Friday and 10am and 5pm on Saturday.
SH1 construction sites and temporary speed limits heading north from Auckland:
- Puhoi to Warkworth - as vehicles exit the Johnstone Hills tunnel there is a short section of 60km/h then 80km/h until north of the Pūhoi turn-off
- SH1 Dome Valley safety improvements - two locations, just north of Warkworth and further north before Wayby Valley Road. The speed limit is reduced to 70km/h and there are metal barriers along the roadside.
- SH1 Brynderwyn Hills - retaining wall repair on the southern side. The road is reduced to one lane in each direction and the northbound passing lane is closed.
- SH1 Loop Road safety improvement - metal barriers and 50km/h speed limit through the site area, reducing to 30km/h over a section of temporary road.
- SH1 Tarewa Road improvements - road re-alignment has state highway traffic using the northbound lanes and a 50km/h speed limit.
