Further delays are predicted on State Highway 1 northbound between Tirau and Karapiro throughout the weekend, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday heading south, particularly on Sunday between 12noon and 12.30pm.
State Highway 25 is expected to be busy at Tairua, with the heaviest traffic expected heading north on Friday between 12.30pm and 9pm, and Saturday between 10am and 3.30pm. Southbound, delays are predicted to be heaviest between 2pm and 9.45pm on Sunday and 7.45am and 8.45pm on Monday.
Three way Stop/Go traffic management will be in place at the one-lane Pepe Bridge in Tairua on Friday, Saturday and Monday to assist with the flow of traffic.
"In the Bay of Plenty, motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Ranges, particularly heading east (toward Tauranga) on Friday between 3.30pm and 6.15pm, and westbound (toward the Waikato) on Monday between 10.15am and 12.15pm," Mutton says.
SH2 between Paeroa and Waihi is expected to be busy heading east (toward Waihi) on Friday between 3.45pm and 5.45pm, and between 10.15am and 4.30pm on Monday westbound (toward Paeroa). Motorists should also expect delays on SH2 between Katikati and Tauranga for much of the weekend, in both directions, with traffic heaviest on Friday between 1.15pm and 7.15pm heading south (toward Tauranga).
Because predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather and even driver behaviour, motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website – journeys.nzta.govt.nz - before they leave for accurate information about current road and traffic conditions.
Mutton encouraged motorists to take extra care when travelling over the holiday weekend due to increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.
"We can all take simple actions to stay safe. That means checking your car is safe before your journey, keeping your speed down, driving sober, watching for the signs of fatigue and sharing the driving.
"We know that congestion and delays can be frustrating, but the most important thing is that everyone gets to their destination safely. Please plan ahead, be patient and drive to the conditions.
"Trying to 'make up lost time' by speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone on the road at risk. Even when it isn't the direct cause of a crash, speed is often the difference between someone walking away unharmed or being seriously injured or killed. For everyone's safety, please slow down.
"Congestion and delays are inevitable in peak times, but if everyone leaves plenty of time for their journey, drives to the conditions and plans ahead before leaving home, there will be less frustration and everyone can concentrate on arriving safely at their destination," he says.
