Lanes trial times extended
The evening operating hours of Whangapara¯ oa Rd’s dynamic lanes trial are being extended by one hour to 7pm.
Presently the hours are 4pm to 6pm.
Data collected since the start of the trial on January 24 has shown a positive improvement to the PM peak traffic flow on the road, Auckland Transport Group Manager Network Management and Safety Randhir Karma said.
Travel times have reduced and there is less queuing on Hibiscus Coast Highway which is also having a positive impact on the flow of traffic heading towards Orewa.
The period before 6pm experienced free flow conditions, while after 6pm vehicle flow quickly changed to a continuous line of slow moving traffic.
‘‘Extending the PM peak duration will allow us to get the most value out of the system, particularly as we approach March when congestion throughout Auckland is at its highest level.’’
The morning peak trial starts on April 18. Impact on morning travel times is not expected to be as significant as the evening trial, due to only one lane exiting on to Hibiscus Coast Highway, and the highway’s normal queue of Auckland bound traffic.
If the trial is successful, the lanes will continue to operate and Auckland Transport will investigate introducing the system in other parts of Auckland.