Auckland overnight motorway closures 15-21 April 2018

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Auckland overnight motorway closures 15-21 April 2018

Check daily updated closure information

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Wainui Road southbound on ramp, 16 April
  • Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off ramp and Greville Road on ramp, 19 April
  • Oteha Valley Road southbound on ramp, 19 April
  • McClymonts Road southbound on ramp, 19 April
  • Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 15 April
  • Greville Road northbound on ramp, 18 April
  • Greville Road southbound on ramp, 17 – 18 April
  • Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Greville Road on ramp, 15 – 17 & 19 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Upper Harbour Highway northbound on ramp, 15 – 19 April
  • Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 18 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Stafford Road northbound off ramp, 15 – 18 April
  • Shelly Beach Road southbound off ramp, 19 April
  • Curran Street northbound on ramp, 15 – 18 April

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Greenlane off ramp and Ellerslie-Panmure Highway on ramp, 16 – 17 April (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Greenlane southbound on ramp, 16 – 17 April
  • Tecoma Street southbound off ramp, 15 – 19 April
  • Tecoma Street southbound on ramp, 15 – 19 April (approx. 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound off ramp, 18 – 19 April (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on ramp, 15 April
  • Southbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on ramp, 15 April (approx. 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Northbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off ramp and Highbrook Drive on ramp, 16 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off ramp and Manukau on ramp, 18 April (approx. 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • East Tamaki Road northbound off ramp, 15 & 17 – 19 April
  • East Tamaki Road northbound on ramp, 15 – 19 April
  • East Tamaki Road southbound on ramp, 18 April
  • Hill Road northbound on ramp, 15 & 18 – 19 April (approx. 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Southbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 15 – 17 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Takanini southbound on ramp, 18 – 19 April
  • Northbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Manukau on ramp, 15 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Takanini northbound on ramp, 15 April
  • Northbound lanes between Papakura off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 19 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Papakura northbound (loop) on ramp, 17 – 19 April
  • Papakura northbound (diamond) on ramp, 17 – 19 April
  • Southbound lanes between SH22/Drury off ramp and Ramarama on ramp, 19 April
  • SH22/Drury southbound on ramp 19 April
  • Southbound lanes between Ramarama off ramp and Bombay on ramp, 17 April
  • Ramarama southbound on ramp, 17 April
  • Northbound lanes between Bombay off ramp and Ramarama on ramp, 17 April
  • Bombay northbound on ramp, 17 April
  • Bombay southbound on ramp, 16 April
  • Beaver Road northbound off ramp, 15 April
  • Beaver Road northbound on ramp, 15 April
  • Beaver Road southbound off ramp, 16 April
  • Beaver Road southbound on ramp, 16 April
  • Nikau Road northbound on ramp, 15 April
  • Nikau Road southbound off ramp, 16 April
  • Southbound lanes between Nikau Road off ramp and Nikau Road on ramp, 19 April (subject to other closures in the area, please check before travelling)
  • Nikau Road southbound on ramp, 19 April
  • Razorback Road northbound on ramp, 17 April
  • Razorback Road southbound off ramp, 19 April
  • Ridge Road northbound off ramp, 17 April
  • SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound Link, 17 – 18 April
  • SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound Link, 19 April
  • SH2 westbound to SH1 northbound Link, 17 April
  • SH2 westbound to SH1 southbound Link, 19 April
  • Pokeno northbound on ramp, 17 – 18 April

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road roundabout and Lincoln Road on ramp, 15 – 19 April
  • Hobsonville Road southbound on ramp, 15 – 19 April
  • Royal Road southbound on ramp, 15 – 19 April
  • Northbound lanes between Lincoln Road off ramp and Brigham Creek Road roundabout, 15 – 19 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Lincoln Road northbound on ramp, 15 – 19 April
  • Eastbound lanes between Patiki Road off ramp and Great North Road on ramp, 18 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Rosebank Road eastbound on ramp, 15 & 18 April

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • SH18 westbound to SH16 eastbound link, 15 – 19 April
  • Squadron Drive eastbound on ramp, 15 April

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off ramp and SH16 (Waterview Tunnel closed) 17 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Maioro Street northbound on ramp, 17 April
  • Dominion Road southbound off ramp, 17 April
  • Hillsborough Road southbound off ramp, 17 April
  • Neilson Street southbound on ramp, 19 April
  • SH20 northbound to SH20A westbound link, 16 April

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • Southbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off ramp and Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive, 15 – 21 April (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Kirkbride Road southbound on ramp, 15 – 21 April

Please follow the signposted detours. The Transport Agency thanks you for your cooperation during these essential improvements and maintenance.
For updates on state highway conditions and hazards visit: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz
Auckland roads and public transport: www.at.govt.nz

Despite cyclones, Nelson’s Rocks Road restored to smoother and safer for walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, drivers

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Despite cyclones, Nelson’s Rocks Road restored to smoother and safer for walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, drivers

Rocks Road, north of the Tahunanui retail area between Basin Reserve and Magazine Point, has been rebuilt and resurfaced.

Rocks Road this week

The road rebuild was due to start early in February. Work was delayed by a week when ex-tropical-cyclone Fehi lashed the coastline, destroying the seawall, parts of the footpath and a restaurant perched at the edge of the road overlooking the sea. 

Crews worked with lights at night to minimise the effects on local drivers and access to the Port of Nelson and the city during the day.

 “A number of teams have worked hard to complete this work before winter and have the road re-marked in time for Easter Weekend, which was their original aim,” says Frank Porter, Transport Agency System Manager. 

Crews had to maintain the cliff face, remove the old concrete pad, install better drainage and new subsoil drains, install new streetlight ducting and cables, new kerb and channels, reconstruct the road surface including deep lift asphalt, reinstate the surface and mark it up for traffic and cyclists and repair the seawall at Magazine Point seawall and footpath. 

Some work remains to be completed but will not affect road users to the same degree, Mr Porter says. This includes resurfacing of the Basin Reserve Carpark (happening this week), installing new street lights, minor footpath repairs and repairs to the chain link fence at Magazine Point. 

“Thanks to all road users for slowing through this site in recent weeks. It is good to see the footpath and cycle way restored and the road surface smooth and strengthened,” says Mr Porter.

Students study impacts of medication on drivers

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Students study impacts of medication on drivers

The Year 13 students, aged between 16 and 17, are completing the NCEA Level 3 assessment resource as part of the Achievement Standard Health 91461 standard: Analyse a New Zealand health issue.

Upper Hutt College Health Studies class

The NZ Transport Agency’s Director of Customer Experience Behaviour Leigh Mitchell says the ability of prescription and over the counter medications to impair drivers, who may not be aware of the impacts, is a very real problem on New Zealand roads.

“1 in 13 drivers killed on our roads have been found to be using strong medication that can impair driving at the time of their crash,” Ms Mitchell says.

“The NZ Transport Agency is working hard to educate New Zealanders on the risks and any help we can get raising awareness in this area is important and hugely appreciated.

Director of Safety and Environment, Harry Wilson, says the course is an excellent initiative and he supports the intention to see it taught in schools across the country.

“We want people to make sure they are safe to drive before they consider getting behind the wheel. If you’re taking medication, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to make sure you’re safe to drive. If you’re not fully alert you could be putting yourself, your family and others using the road in danger,” Mr Wilson says.

The students’ teacher, Haley Charles, wrote the NCEA Level 3 assessment resource with the help of information supplied by NZ Transport Agency.

“The early and encouraging feedback from students is that the topic is interesting and engaging,” Ms Charles says.

“The evidence shows that when New Zealanders are made aware of an issue, they want to make the right choices. Already, my students are talking about it at home and at work.”

“I’ve even got a couple of students who work at chemists and they are asking the pharmacists if they can talk with customers about their medication and whether it’s safe to drive while taking.”

The NZ Transport Agency will review the course following its conclusion and expects to make the curriculum resource available to all schools later this year.

State Highway 4 north of Taumarunui to close in the morning

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: State Highway 4 north of Taumarunui to close in the morning

A detour will be put in place which directs south-bound traffic onto Kopaki Road towards SH 30 and then on to the Ongarue-Waimiha Road, while north-bound traffic will also use the same route.

Updates on the closure and details of the reopening will be available on the NZTA website and central North Island social media accounts as soon as they are available.

The NZ Transport Agency wants to thank road users for their understanding and patience.

For updates please go to:

https://twitter.com/NZTACNI

https://www.facebook.com/nztacni/

http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

Connecting the new Maungatapu underpass to local roads

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Connecting the new Maungatapu underpass to local roads

From 16 April, there will be lane diversions, speed restrictions, unsealed surfaces, off peak and night works on Welcome Bay Road near Greenwood Park. And on Welcome Bay Road, near Awanui Place, there will be lane diversions in place, speed restrictions and temporary pedestrian diversions.

This work will affect travel through the area, and is expected to take up to two weeks. The work is weather dependent.

NZ Transport Agency Projects Team Manager, John McCarthy said the agency will do as much work as it can during the school holidays to minimise the impact on traffic.

“A majority of the work will be done at night however road users can expect some delays during the day due to speed restrictions.

“We understand delays can be frustrating but we’d like to urge people to take care when travelling through these areas, and understand the responsibility they have to protect themselves and their passengers, as well as all other road users and construction workers.”

Resurfacing work of the SH29A Hairini and Maungatapu roundabouts is expected to take place in mid-May, while work to connect the underpass with Turret Road and with Hairini Street is expected to start in late-May. This work is also weather dependent.

Once completed, the Maungatapu underpass will be a two-lane link underneath the Maungatapu roundabout and a separated cycle and walk way, that will improve the traffic flow on the state highway around the Maungatapu and Hairini roundabouts. The underpass will separate state highway and local traffic, and make travel safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Read more about the project at: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/hairinilink

Road users in central & lower North Island advised to expect winter conditions

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Road users in central & lower North Island advised to expect winter conditions

Severe gales, high winds, heavy rain warnings and road snowfall warnings have been issued for parts of the central and Lower North Island. People should check the Metservice for the latest information.

Transport Agency Journey Manager, Liam Ryan, says road users should take extra care while travelling, as snow and ice can make the road more hazardous especially in shaded areas and on bridge decks.

“Road users must drive to the conditions and plan ahead in case of any delays. It’s a good idea to pack extra food, warm clothing and blankets in case of emergencies or road closures,” Mr Ryan says.

“If weather conditions make driving too hazardous, some roads may close for a time. So it’s important before you set off to refer to the NZTA webpage and online updates, especially those driving through the Central Plateau.”

“Extra crews are ready to respond to this weather event and the safety of all road users is our number one priority.”

How to stay up to date and check road closures and weather conditions:

Snow coming overnight to alpine passes, Kaikōura SH1 closing early today 5pm

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Snow coming overnight to alpine passes, Kaikōura SH1 closing early today 5pm

Severe gales are forecast for parts of the upper South and North Islands tonight and into this week. In the Canterbury high country and alpine passes snow is forecast as low as 300 metres so all road users are asked to plan ahead and check road conditions before they set out.

Picton to Christchurch

Overnight traffic between Picton and Christchurch takes the Lewis Pass route (SH7) through Murchison where snow is forecast for later tonight and tomorrow. The highway will either be open or closed with traffic requested to wait at Murchison or Culverden/ Engineers’ Camp if snow temporarily closes the route overnight or later this week.

Snow ploughs will be working and warm road temperatures may melt snow faster than in normal winter conditions, says Tresca Forrester, Transport Agency Journey Manager. “Crews will be doing all they can to keep traffic safely moving.”

Road users should take extra care, particularly in shaded areas and on bridge decks,” she says. “Our road temperatures are still quite warm so any snow may be cleared reasonably easily. But people should plan for delays regardless and pack extra food, warm clothing and take care on the roads.

“Extra crews are ready to respond to this weather event and the safety of all road users is our number one priority.”

Arthur’s Pass/ Otira

Snow is also forecast for State Highway 73 between the West Coast/ Greymouth and Christchurch and drivers on that route should carry chains if they are travelling overnight and later this week.

Otago/ Queenstown Lakes District Council

People should be prepared for snow and delays tonight and tomorrow in places like:

  • State Highway 87 (Outram to Middlemarch),
  • State Highway 1 (Dunedin to Waitati)
  • State Highway 85 (The Pigroot) (Palmerston to Kyeburn)
  • State Highway 8 Lindis Pass (Omarama to Tarras)
  • State Highway 8 Milton to Rae’s Junction
  • The Crown Range between Wanaka and Frankton.

Drivers should carry chains when travelling in alpine and high country areas, and follow road crews’ advice.

 How to stay up to date:

QLDC Facebook https://www.facebook.com/QLDCinfo/

Minor safety improvements Pukeko Lane, Tasman District, and two other intersections

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Minor safety improvements Pukeko Lane, Tasman District, and two other intersections

Work will start at Pukeko Lane and will include a new right turn bay off SH60 (see diagram below), changes to road surface markings at Lansdowne Road and Mapua Drive intersections and a roadside safety barrier near Research Orchard Road.

Work will be carried out during the daytime with a small amount of night work to minimise traffic delays. Road users around Pukeko Lane are most likely to be aware of these works.

The Transport Agency thanks everyone for slowing around areas of temporary speed reductions while this work is completed before winter.

New right hand turn bay into Pukeko Lane

Pukeko Lane is north-west of Appleby, Tasman District

How to stay up to date:

Major works to improve road surface in New Plymouth

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Major works to improve road surface in New Plymouth

The site will have the existing road surface removed and a new asphalt surface applied, with all service covers being adjusted to match the new road surface levels.

Repairs are programmed to take one month with the majority of works being completed at night, between the hours of 6pm and 6am. To complete these works in the shortest possible timeframe, the team will use large specialised machinery. This work is weather dependent, so changes to the start and continuation of the work may occur.

The Transport Agency’s System Manager, Ross I’Anson, says the upgrade between Vickers Road and Smart Road, on State Highway 3, will be a significance improvement for both visitors to the region and regular road users.

“The Transport Agency is very pleased to deliver this package of work to Taranaki, it will sit very well alongside the new expressway into Northgate.

“Please be aware there will be some delays for the duration of the project. Unfortunately this is unavoidable whenever these types of works are undertaken on the State Highway, however the team will be doing as much as they can to minimise delays through the site.

“We’d like to suggest people plan ahead, consider the delay and add the time required on to their trip.

“We’d like to apologise and thank you for your patience in advance for the disruption but the work will result in a better road surface for everybody who uses it,” Mr I’Anson says.

For updates on state highway conditions in Taranaki: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/7

For updates on state highway conditions in Whanganui/Manawatu: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/8

Updates will also be on our Central North Island social media accounts:

www.facebook.com/NZTAcni

www.twitter.com/NZTAcni

New Zealand’s top cycling projects to be recognised in national awards

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: New Zealand’s top cycling projects to be recognised in national awards

The awards are a joint initiative between Cycling Action Network (CAN) and the NZ Transport Agency, aimed at recognising the people and projects contributing to a more bike-friendly New Zealand.

As the public’s perception of cycling is changing, the award categories have been amended this year. Changes to the award categories include the ‘Built Excellence Award’, the ‘Revolutionary Award’ and the ‘Bikes at Work and School Award’. 

CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan says a review of some categories was necessary to recognise important work being done across the cycling sector, in particular the growing number of events, engagement projects, and education programmes that are helping to change how cycling is perceived. 

“We’ve renamed some of the categories to highlight the diverse range of cycling projects and initiatives in New Zealand, and to better reflect the importance of work that has had a positive influence on changing attitudes towards cycling,” says Mr Morgan.

“For example, the Revolutionary Award is a bit of a catch all category as it celebrates initiatives and events which have educated, inspired, celebrated, promoted or encouraged cycling – whether or not a person then chooses to ride a bike.”

Mr Morgan encourages sector experts, advocates, workplaces, schools, and community groups across the country to nominate projects or individuals, which are contributing towards creating a more bike-friendly culture.

The Transport Agency’s System Design Manager Brett Gliddon said the awards are a great opportunity to recognise the dedication and contribution to cycling from people and organisations across the country.

 The Te Ara Mua – Future Streets project in Māngere, Auckland won last year’s Supreme Award. This community transformation made streets safer and easier for people to travel around, especially by cycling or walking.

 Mr Gliddon says this is a great example of how the right infrastructure and resources can help create change in how people choose to move around their communities.

 “We are proud to be working with CAN to celebrate the many milestones the cycling sector has achieved this year to encourage more people to get about by bike and to help shift the overall attitude toward cycling,” he says.

 This year’s winners will be announced at the 2WALKandCYCLE conference dinner in Palmerston North on 31 July.

 If you know of a project or person who deserves recognition, you can nominate them at www.nzta.govt.nz/biketothefutureawards

Nominations close at 5pm on Thursday 26 April 2018.