Author: MIL OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A reminder that maintenance work will begin soon on a stretch of State Highway 2 just north of Waipawa.

The road rebuild will be carried out in stages from 13 January to the end of March. Crews will focus on a 500 metre stretch of SH2, between Tamumu Road and Victoria Street.

Work will initially be focussed on installing new kerbs and improving channels. This is a continuation of the kerb and channel work undertaken in this section earlier this year.

Once the kerbs and channels are completed, crews will start rebuilding the road surface. This will involve recycling the existing road materials with cement added to the pavement, to improve and extend the life of the road and improve the journey through this section.

“Our crews will be working days and some nights to speed up the works and complete the job as quickly as possible,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani.

“There will be different traffic management set ups at different stages of the work which will be communicated before the works begin. We advise road users to please expect short delays through this worksite at times and to plan their journeys accordingly.”

“We know this work will be frustrating for road users and residents, and for local businesses and communities in the area. We also know Waipawa has already seen its fair share of disruption during earlier improvements on the main street and we are working with Central Hawkes’ Bay District Council (CHBDC) to minimise the impact these works will have on the community.”

“Ultimately, this work will improve the efficiency of travel for all road users, hopefully minimising disruptions in future,” says Ms Pani.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

It may be wet under foot in the coming days but don’t let that dampen your holiday road trips.

Drive to the conditions and if they change, reduce your speed.

A reminder that the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Holiday Journey Planner remains up to date and easy to access – it may end up being one of your best road trip companions.

The Journey Planner shows predicted traffic flows over the New Year holiday, based on previous year’s travel patterns. This handy ‘trip hack’ is a great way to plan your trips and avoid the stress of getting caught up in lengthy delays.

Holiday Journey Planner(external link)

NZTA wants everyone to get to their destinations safely. More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can all add up to make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to stay safe.

We encourage everyone to check that their car is safe before heading off, keep your speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving on long trips.

Always drive to the conditions, which can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.

Over the coming days, as forecast heavy rain hits parts of the country, stay alert, expect possible delays or surface flooding in places.

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With strong winds forecast for the city, Auckland drivers are urged to take extra care on the Auckland Harbour Bridge tomorrow (Friday, 27 December).

A wind alert has been issued for tomorrow, between midday and 8 pm. Wind gusts of 90 – 95 km/h are forecast.

To ensure safety, speed limits on the bridge may be reduced, and lanes on the bridge could close if wind gusts reach threshold levels.

This may see traffic reduced to only one lane in each during the amber alert as the bridge’s southbound clip-on lanes are currently closed for maintenance. 

Motorists must drive to the conditions and pay attention to electronic message boards on the motorway. These will show if reduced speed limits, lane closures, or a full closure (depending on wind thresholds) are in place.

If winds are strong and the weather is bad, drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists should avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.

Keeping road users safe and protecting the bridge are a priority. Decisions to lower speeds, close lanes, or close are carefully considered.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi will continue to work closely with Metservice to monitor conditions and ensure decisions are based on up-to-date and accurate information on predicted and current wind speeds.

Drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel:

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers hitting the road today and tomorrow are urged to check road and weather conditions before they travel.

The Metservice has issued a series of weather warnings around the country.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place for this afternoon and evening, covering the Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Central Otago, Southern Lakes, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland, Fiordland.

A Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Kapiti Coast, Wellington, and coastal Marlborough from early Friday morning until early Friday afternoon. Southerly gales are forecast.

Further north, a Strong Wind Watch will apply to coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne/Tairawhiti on Friday afternoon and evening, and a Heavy Rain Warning is in force for Gisborne/Tairawhiti from early Thursday morning to early Friday morning.

Drivers travelling over the holiday period must be prepared for challenging driving conditions in these areas and take proper precautions.

Heavy rain increases the risk of slips and flooding, and strong winds mean drivers of high-sided and towing vehicles, and motorcycles must take extra care in exposed areas.

Be ready for unexpected hazards and be aware that bad weather can see roads closed at short notice.

Check the weather and road conditions before you head off and allow extra time for your journeys.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency