What you need to to know when planning your trip

As we head towards the holiday season, many of us will be planning to travel around the country visiting friends and family over the festive period.

But travelling often means contending with roadworks, so the Chronicle has compiled a list of state highway works in the wider Whanganui region so you can plan and prepare as you get on the road.

“It’s been a long, stressful year for many people, and holiday traffic is predicted to be particularly busy this year from domestic tourism due to pent up travel demand and the lack of international travel options,” Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency senior journey manager Neil Walker said.

“Kiwis will be exploring our own backyard in record numbers, and that means the roads to and from our popular holiday spots are likely to be very busy.”

Walker also urged drivers to do their part to stay safe on the roads these holidays.

“If everyone leaves plenty of time for their journey, drives to the conditions and plans ahead before leaving home, the worst of the frustrations can be eased and everyone can concentrate on arriving safely at their destination. We want you here for Christmas — please drive safely.”

A NZTA spokeswoman said no more roadworks on highways would begin until the New Year, only the continuation or finishing of the road works below.

Roadworks in the area

SH4 Kakatahi to Raetihi

Due to resurfacing work, there is a 70km/h speed limit in place, north of Raukawa Falls.

Between Raetihi and Fields Track, there is a two-lane temporary road with a 30km/h speed restriction in place.

SH4 north of Raetihi

Due to a rock fall, there is a 30km/h speed restriction in place. Road users are advised to take extra care. SH3 in Turakina

There is stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place. Take extra care and expect traffic queues. These works are set to be finished on December 23.

SH1 in Marton between Calico Line and Colemans Rd

There is a stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place. Drive with care. A date has not been finalised for these works.

SH54 on Cheltenham-hunterville Rd

4km north of Rewa, a 30km/h speed restriction is in place and a give-way set up due to a drop out. Road users are advised to take extra care in the area.

SH1 between Mangaweka and Ohingaiti

Due to stabilisation works, there is a stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place. Work is set to be finished today at 5pm.

SH1 in Taihape

Due to retaining wall and channelling works, there is stop/go traffic management with 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place. SH1 Taihape to Waiouru

Due to holiday traffic, northbound traffic is expected to be busy from Boxing Day to December 30, between 9am and 5pm. Expect delays and allow extra time for your journeys when travelling through this area at these times.

● NZTA has updated its online Holiday Journeys traffic prediction tool to help people plan ahead and minimise delays. The tool shows predicted traffic flow across popular journeys over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday based on previous year’s travel patterns. The online tool can be found here www. journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holidayjourneys/summer-holidays-2020/