8 Feb 2009

Traffic flowing on new Auckland toll road

5:16 pm on 8 February 2009

Holiday traffic returning to Auckland is flowing smoothly despite fears of major traffic jams on the new "Northern Gateway" toll road north of Auckland.

Police say southbound traffic is heavy heading into Wellsford, but a third of all cars are using the alternative route on State Highway 16.

This is avoiding lengthy queues into the Northern Gateway tunnel further south.

However, the New Zealand Transport Agency is expecting queues to develop near the new road later on Sunday evening and are asking motorists to avoid the area.

Queues of up to 17km have been reported over Waitangi weekend.

Similar delays occurred when the 7.5km route was opened at Anniversary weekend.

The $365 million road was designed to relieve traffic flows on State Highway One between Orewa - Warkworth.

The Automobile Association says it's concerned there are not enough cash payment points en route and will discuss the issue with the Transport Agency.

The AA says it's asked for data showing how many people are using the cash payment machines and whether more are needed.