Massive earthworks carving through difficult country for Auckland's next highway will dwarf excavations for the Waterview motorway tunnels.

Police are urging motorists to drive to the conditions after a fatality-free start to Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Most major roads and highways around the country are flowing tonight, as motorists head home or away for the long holiday weekend.

NZ Herald readers suggest ways to improve Auckland's much criticised bus system, such as integrated ticketing and improved bus shelters. Brian Rudman looks at the options.

Forget about Auckland being atomised in a fiery volcanic cataclysm. Armageddon is going to arrive in this town by car, writes Greg Dixon.

The car park at the Albany Bus Station with room for 1200 cars demonstrates the success of proper parking linked to an efficient bus service, writes Neil Binnie.

Aucklanders face paying to drive on city roads unless they are prepared to swallow hefty rates or fuel tax rises.

Traffic engineering is probably the only realistic solution to Auckland's congestion, writes John Roughan. "The busway, like the bridge, is fine."

Auckland people are being warned to allow extra travel time around the city today because of big sporting events.

Nine sets of traffic lights in 1km - it's enough to drive motorists around the bend.

The Waioeka Gorge between Opotiki and Gisborne has been officially reopened to traffic.

The blood-alcohol limit for drivers should be lowered to prevent more unnecessary road deaths, says one of New Zealand's most experienced police officers.

Aucklanders are being warned to expect all-day traffic congestion - even if enough money can be raised for pressure-relieving transport schemes.

Kiwis like their cars. That's why no amount of investment in bikes, buses and trains will fix Auckland's congestion - gridlock that costs the economy $1.25 billion a year.

Snarled-up Auckland roads are costing the country $1.25 billion a year, new Government-commissioned research reveals.

The Government really must be strapped for money, Brian Rudman. It's so short that to scrape in an extra $17 million or so of petty cash it's willing to break an election pledge and upset a group of core supporters.

After last week's chaos, it's clear we need dedicated and vigilantly policed bus lanes to keep city moving.

There is more traffic chaos on Auckland's roads as thousands flock to today's Pasifika Festival and the Kumeu Show.

Auckland's worst traffic gridlock for years was caused by an extra squeeze of pressure on a stretched transport network - and it is not over yet.