Category: New Zealand Transport Agency

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

Headline: Detours to be in place at busy Rotorua roundabout

Detours will be place on Froude Street to Tryon Street and also Trigg Avenue to Ward Avenue.

The NZ Transport Agency says people should avoid the area if possible, but if they have to travel they should take extra care and expect delays.

The work is subject to weather conditions and may need to be postponed.

People can stay up to date by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or checking the website www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

• www.facebook.com/NZTAWaiBop/
• www.twitter.com/nztawaibop

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

Headline: Roads closed around Central North Island after heavy rain and wind

The NZ Transport Agency says people can expect delays and should drive with extra care.

It says people should check the website, the NZTA regional social media pages or call us on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS before leaving for their journey.

Current closures – check www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for latest information.

•  State Highway 45 between New Plymouth and Omata is closed due to a fallen tree. The road is expected to open this afternoon.

• State Highway 43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona is closed due to slips. The detour is via State Highway 3 and 4. It is not yet known when this road will open but crews are working where it is currently safe to do so.

• State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo is closed due to slips and flooding. A detour route for travellers is to go south from Taupo via Palmerston North on State Highway 1 and 2. This will add 4 to 5 hours to the journey. A second but longer detour is to go north from Taupo on SH5 to Rotorua, take SH30 and SH2 to Gisborne and on to Napier. It is not yet known when this road will open but crews are working where it is currently safe to do so. Given the length of the detours people should consider if their travel is necessary.

Check the Transport Agency’s website for the latest highway information or check www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz  for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel. Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.

We are also on social media.

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

Headline: Mata Bridges repairs to close SH1 in Northland at night

The new work is focused on repairs and resurfacing of the three Mata Bridges between Oakleigh and Ruakaka.

This new work is in addition to the ongoing night-time road repairs at Oakleigh which started in early February. Those works are taking longer than expected because of the wet summer weather and now won’t be finished until after Easter, says the Transport Agency’s System Manager Steve Mutton.

The new Mata Bridges work south of Oakleigh is scheduled to start on Sunday 18 March and take four nights. The work will be done in three stages and is weather dependent meaning they may be postponed at short notice.

The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and understanding as essential maintenance to improve safety and resilience is carried out in this stretch of State Highway 1.

Stage One of the new work will start on the most northern of the three bridges on Sunday night, 18 March.

There will be stop/go traffic management in place from 7pm–9pm and a full road closure from 9pm–5am.

The detour for northbound traffic is via Salmon Road and Springfield Road and back on to State Highway 1. Southbound traffic will travel the same route in reverse.

Stage Two works on the other two bridges will take place on Monday and Tuesday nights. Stop/go traffic management will be in place 7pm–9pm and a full road closure from 9pm–5am each night.

The detour for northbound traffic will start at State Highway 12 to Paparoa and follow Paparoa – Oakleigh Road, Paparoa Road and Mangapai Road before rejoining SH1 north. Southbound traffic travel the same route in reverse.

The detour will add an additional twenty kilometres to journeys between Brynderwyn and Whangarei.

The detour is not suitable for HPMVs which will need to park and wait at the closure point.

Northbound traffic heading to Ruakaka and other destinations south of the closure point will be allowed to continue on State Highway 1.

Stage Three resurfacing work will take place on Wednesday night with stop/go traffic management from 7pm–9pm and a full road closure from 9pm–5am.

There are two options for motorists during the full road closure. Option one is to use the Stage 2 detour via SH12 above.

Option two is to continue on State Highway 1 and park and wait at the closure point instead of using the detour.

Delays of at least an hour and a half can be expected with traffic being let through the area between resurfacing works where possible.

The Transport Agency urges motorists to allow extra time for their journey or reschedule it to avoid the closures.

“Please follow the directions of the road crews, keep to the speed limits, and take extra care on the detour route which may be unfamiliar to regular travellers in the region,” says Mr Mutton.

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

Headline: SH1 Desert Road closure delayed further due to weather

The initial closure was scheduled to take place from 7am Wednesday. The road is being closed to enable the concrete deck to be poured and was always weather-dependent.

NZTA Waikato Transport Systems Manager, Karen Boyt, says concrete doesn’t pour well in bad weather and the risk of environmental and safety impacts is high.

“We’d like to apologise for moving this closure again but we need to ensure the job can be done within 36 hours so that it doesn’t cause even more delays to freight and people who need to use the Desert Road.

“The new date is yet to be confirmed so people should check our website or call us before they leave for their journey so they’re aware of what’s ahead of them,” Ms Boyt says.

The work could take place over the weekend or next week, but dates are to be confirmed and still subject to weather.

Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for early April, this will also be weather permitting.

Outside of the closure times people can expect the bridge to be down to one lane, with some short closures of around 5 minutes. There is a 30km/h limit in place.

The alternative route is State Highways 46, 47, 4 and 49. This detour is not suitable for vehicles over 46 tonnes, apart from 50MAX which is permitted.

There are also multiple maintenance work sites on the Desert Road during this period and delays are possible at other sites.

High productivity motor vehicles can use the SH3 and SH3A route between Hamilton and Bulls.

Vehicles with over-weight loads or over-dimension loads wider than 3.0 metres are unable to use the Desert Road section of SH1 until the bridge repairs are complete in April.

The closure dates are subject to fine weather. Updates will be posted at the sites below.

People can check all current road closures here:

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

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

• www.facebook.com/nztacni/
• www.twitter.com/nztacni 

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

Headline: Kaikōura, State Highway 1, update since reopening last Friday

The highway opened last Friday after nearly two weeks of concentrated slip clearance both north and south of the town, including the Hundalee Hills. Sites which had been well sluiced, scaled and strengthened since the 2016 earthquake as well as newly-built infrastructure held up well in the storm.

“Delays are concentrated within the Hundalee area north of Parnassus,” says North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) Network Operations Manager Tresca Forrester. “When traffic is busy, people could face up to 20-minute delays due to the longer work sites and the close proximity of sites. Peak times are between 11am and 4 pm daily.”

She reminded drivers that temporary speed limits are there for their safety and for all drivers to take their time, take care around crews and build in extra time for this journey.

The southern closure point outside of the open hours of 7.30 am to 7.30pm remains the SH1/Leader Rd intersection. Residents living within this soft cordon have access to their homes.

Travel time between Christchurch and Picton has been between four hours and 40 minutes and five hours but summer traffic volumes have dropped off, says Ms Forrester, to around 2,200 – 2,500 vehicles daily.

“Wet weather will still likely affect this route in future so people should check its open/ closed status before setting out.” (See www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic)

The Lewis Pass route via Waipara and Murchison remains a good alternate route to SH1.

How to stay up to date:

• 0800 4 HIGHWAYS
• www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland
• Canterbury/ West coast Twitter @NZTACWC
• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• For more Transport Agency Twitter and Facebook accounts: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

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

Headline: Takaka Hill, SH60, Riwaka to Golden Bay – Easter update, open hours, repairs going well, dedicated email

“We know that freight providers and farmers need these truck and trailer units to get across the hill efficiently and that the single trucks’ restriction is adding to costs.”

Although there is no confirmed date at this stage for opening up the highway to trucks with trailer units, and over-dimension vehicles, the Transport Agency is hopeful it could be in two weeks’ time.

“Thanks to everyone for being patient while we work to get Takaka Hill repaired and safe for everyone to use again,” says Mr Porter.

Opening hours – same open hours continue this week

Currently the road open hours are Monday to Saturday inclusive, mornings and nights only, 7-8 am and 5-6 pm. People are encouraged to arrive as close to 7 am and 5 pm to reduce their waiting time and get through as quickly as possible.

On Sundays, people can travel by convoy all day 8 am to 5 pm as the crews have a day off repairs.

• People should expect to be part of large convoys and to have to wait to get over the hill.
• People towing caravans, trailers and boats can get over the hill at the end of each day in the last evening convoy in each direction (5-6 pm). On Sundays, they should be at the waiting area from 4 pm.
• Otherwise the restrictions remain in place for rigid trucks only, with no trailers or over-dimension vehicles allowed on Takaka Hill currently.
• The road is not generally suitable for motorcyclists in wet conditions, when it will be very slippery, particularly for those on road touring bikes with standard tyres. Motorcyclists will need to take extreme care.

Extending the open hours – soon

The Transport Agency is aiming to offer extended opening hours in coming days ie earlier in the morning and later in the evenings. This will allow more traffic to travel over the hill, but still allow the same time for crews to repair the road during the day.

The Transport Agency will communicate any changes to people as soon as they are confirmed and the Traffic and Travel page information will also be updated.

Easter opening hours   – open each day, all day

• The Takaka Hill road will be open 8am – 5pm all of Easter, Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive.
• The Thursday night (29 March) opening from 5 pm is likely to be extended to later so that people know they can travel to/from Golden Bay for their holiday break without the need to rush.

After Easter hours and access – Tuesday, 3 April onwards

The Transport Agency is aiming to open up the road to be used normally, without convoys, outside of the daytime construction work, ie outside of 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, including overnight. “Repairs will be ongoing for some time and they cannot be undertaken safely or efficiently while there is traffic on the road,” says Mr Porter.

This planned timetable to move beyond the convoy system is dependent on good weather in coming weeks, he says.

Try not to make up time, arrive on time for least delays

Frank Porter reiterated the need for people to take care once they are beyond Takaka Hill and not speed up to make up time. “We have had reports from our crews that some people are not driving to the speed limits once they are over the hill. Please, get home safely, and drive to the conditions.”

Mr Porter also reminded drivers that crews are unable to give priority to some people in the queue over others.  “We will work to get everyone waiting over, and our crews are there to get people over as quickly as is safely possible. If it is urgent, arrive on time.”

Traffic and travel pages for convoy information which will be updated when arrangements change: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/202314

How to stay up to date:

• email takakahill@nzta.govt.nz
• www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland
• Tasman District Council’s Facebook page
• Transport Agency Twitter page Top of the South https://twitter.com/nztatots (NZTA Top of the South)
• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• 0800 4 HIGHWAYS

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

Headline: Takaka Hill, SH60, Riwaka to Golden Bay – Easter update, open hours, repairs going well, dedicated 0800 number and email

“We know that freight providers and farmers need these truck and trailer units to get across the hill efficiently and that the single trucks’ restriction is adding to costs.”

Although there is no confirmed date at this stage for opening up the highway to trucks with trailer units, and over-dimension vehicles, the Transport Agency is hopeful it could be in two weeks’ time.

“Thanks to everyone for being patient while we work to get Takaka Hill repaired and safe for everyone to use again,” says Mr Porter.

Opening hours – same open hours continue this week

Currently the road open hours are Monday to Saturday inclusive, mornings and nights only, 7-8 am and 5-6 pm. People are encouraged to arrive as close to 7 am and 5 pm to reduce their waiting time and get through as quickly as possible.

On Sundays, people can travel by convoy all day 8 am to 5 pm as the crews have a day off repairs.

• People should expect to be part of large convoys and to have to wait to get over the hill.
• People towing caravans, trailers and boats can get over the hill at the end of each day in the last evening convoy in each direction (5-6 pm). On Sundays, they should be at the waiting area from 4 pm.
• Otherwise the restrictions remain in place for rigid trucks only, with no trailers or over-dimension vehicles allowed on Takaka Hill currently.
• The road is not generally suitable for motorcyclists in wet conditions, when it will be very slippery, particularly for those on road touring bikes with standard tyres. Motorcyclists will need to take extreme care.

Extending the open hours – soon

The Transport Agency is aiming to offer extended opening hours in coming days ie earlier in the morning and later in the evenings. This will allow more traffic to travel over the hill, but still allow the same time for crews to repair the road during the day.

The Transport Agency will communicate any changes to people as soon as they are confirmed and the Traffic and Travel page information will also be updated.

Easter opening hours   – open each day, all day

• The Takaka Hill road will be open 8am – 5pm all of Easter, Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive.
• The Thursday night (29 March) opening from 5 pm is likely to be extended to later so that people know they can travel to/from Golden Bay for their holiday break without the need to rush.

After Easter hours and access – Tuesday, 3 April onwards

The Transport Agency is aiming to open up the road to be used normally, without convoys, outside of the daytime construction work, ie outside of 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, including overnight. “Repairs will be ongoing for some time and they cannot be undertaken safely or efficiently while there is traffic on the road,” says Mr Porter.

This planned timetable to move beyond the convoy system is dependent on good weather in coming weeks, he says.

Try not to make up time, arrive on time for least delays

Frank Porter reiterated the need for people to take care once they are beyond Takaka Hill and not speed up to make up time. “We have had reports from our crews that some people are not driving to the speed limits once they are over the hill. Please, get home safely, and drive to the conditions.”

Mr Porter also reminded drivers that crews are unable to give priority to some people in the queue over others.  “We will work to get everyone waiting over, and our crews are there to get people over as quickly as is safely possible. If it is urgent, arrive on time.”

Traffic and travel pages for convoy information which will be updated when arrangements change: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/202314

How to stay up to date:

• 0800 482 525 for Takaka Hill access; email takakahill@nzta.govt.nz
• www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland
• Tasman District Council’s Facebook page
• Transport Agency Twitter page Top of the South https://twitter.com/nztatots (NZTA Top of the South)
• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• 0800 4 HIGHWAYS

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

Headline: SH4 set to re-open between Whanganui and Raetihi

NZ Transport Agency Regional Transport Systems Manager Ross I’Anson says travel will be restricted to a single lane at the site while work is undertaken to remove unstable material above the road, with stop-go traffic controls in place.

The unstable material was identified during a regularly scheduled geotechnical inspection earlier this week, and the road has been closed since 5pm Monday while a more detailed inspection has been undertaken to determine how to safely remove the material.

The roadside barriers will protect motorists from falling material while the work is undertaken to remove it. The work is expected to be completed by mid-May, weather depending.

Mr I’Anson says SH4 through the Paraparas has several bluffs along its length made up of papa, which is particularly susceptible to weathering. The Transport Agency regularly monitors these bluffs as part of an ongoing geotechnical inspection regime for the road.

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

Headline: State Highway 1 repair works update

The temporary concrete safety barriers installed immediately after the storm will be removed so that crews can access the area to repair the footpath and install a new permanent safety barrier.

The road will be open to two lanes from 5:30am to 7pm each day, with a temporary reduced speed limit of 50km/h in place for northbound traffic. From 7pm crews will begin setting up the work site for night operations, and the road will be down to one lane under stop go traffic control until 5:30am.

Once this work is complete, the footpath and cycleway will be open again. The safety barrier that was damaged in the storm will be replaced and speed limits along this stretch of SH1 will return to normal (80km/h).

“Apart from the final resurfacing of the road and footpath, the rest of the work is not weather dependent,” NZTA’s Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says.

“Crews have been working since the storm, largely in the shoulder of the road, but this last phase of work may impact on people’s journeys both during the day and at night.”

“We’re aiming to have the work completed within the next 2 weeks so that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists can have full access along this stretch of highway.”

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

Headline: One more day to finish resurfacing of SH1 through Mangamuka Gorge

Contractors need one more day of fine weather to finish the job, says the NZ Transport Agency’s System Manager Steve Mutton.

The road will be closed this Sunday 11 March to make up for the day lost last weekend. The closure will follow the same timetable as previous weekends, starting at 8:30am on Sunday. It will reopen 4pm–5pm and close again until 8pm if necessary.

The resurfacing requires dry weather, so any rain will force a postponement to Monday or Tuesday.

“Right now, and we’re still a few days out, Sunday is looking like the best day for it,” says Mr Mutton.

The detour via State Highway 10 between Awanui and Pakaraka will add about 10 kilometres to a one way journey.

“Motorists who don’t use the detour and choose to find their own way are reminded to drive with extreme care as some local roads may have uneven surfaces, minor slips or been damaged by recent bad weather in Northland,” says Mr Mutton.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience while this important safety and maintenance work is completed.

Check the Transport Agency’s website:for the latest highway information or sign up to www.onthemove.govt.nz for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel; freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.

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