And still drivers sit and wait . . .
Once again this long holiday weekend we motorists will be reminded just how far behind this country is in providing an adequate roading network.
There have been the usual warnings from the NZTA about likely traffic pinch- points, where motorists will experience long queues, leaving or returning to our major cities.
If you managed to escape the city last night without difficulty, consider yourself lucky. Trying to return on Monday afternoon without queues will be just as challenging.
The problems this weekend are merely a precursor to greater delays likely during Christmas and New Year.
Though it is unreasonable to expect our highway network to cope with extreme traffic, there are spots on State Highway 1 where remedies have been discussed for years. The most obvious example is the Hill St intersection in Warkworth. Queues are guaranteed every weekend, and TONY VERDON yet transport authorities say solutions should wait until the Puhoi to Warkworth project is completed.
That project has apparently been prioritised as a road of national significance for years but not a sod has been turned.
The patience of thousands of motorists heading north or south, or east from Warkworth this weekend will be tested, yet again. It is time the authorities explained why nothing has been done, and why we must wait at least another six years to clear the bottleneck. ABOUT US Editor Tony Verdon Editor at Large Liz Dobson Contributors Matthew Hansen, Bob McMurray, Cameron Officer, Jacqui Madelin, Donna McIntyre Cover design Janina Roque Advertising Todd Fuller 021 986027 todd. fuller@ nzme. co. nz Cover photo Christian Brunelli 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 American Special Vehicles are based in? AAdelaide B Sydney C Melbourne What comes next after VN, VP, VR? AVY B VK C VS What kind of car won Targa NZ last weekend? A Subaru Impreza WRXSTi B Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution C Nissan R35 GT- R BMW’s i8 roadster is reportedly coming in? A 2018 B 2019 C2020 Name the manufacturer making an SUV based on the Suzuki Vitara? AProton B Tata C Mitsuoka Who will ‘ Mad Mike’ Whiddett partner at the Hampton Downs 101? A Shane van Gisbergen B Klark Quinn C Craig Baird Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton will feature in what video game? A Red Dead Redemption 2 B Call of Duty Infinite Warfare C Hello Kitty Roller Rescue 6 Which isn’t a feature of the BMWM4 GTS? A 500kW B Water injection C Half- cage The little ‘ Perodua Myvi' hatchback is based on? AMazda 2 B Toyota Yaris C Daihatsu Sirion Ford’s Kuga will be renamed the? A Escape B Territory C Bronco