Media Release
Transit
Auckland Regional Office
Media Release
20 March 2008
SH16 alternative route to Northland recommended this Easter holiday
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 coming Easter holiday.
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.
“The Easter holiday weekend is a popular driving time for holiday-makers. By taking advantage of the alternative route via SH16, motorists will reduce their travel times and find it less stressful than driving on SH1,” 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
For more information please contact:
Peter Spies
Transit Regional Manager
Tel 64 9 368 2000
Fax 64 9 368 2059
peter.spies@transit.govt.nz
Visit us at www.transit.govt.nz