Category: Transport

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Have your say on safety for pedestrians in Tāneatua

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

Headline: Have your say on safety for pedestrians in Tāneatua

Tāneatua town

An open day is planned for Thursday 26 April from 2pm to 6pm at the Tāneatua War Memorial Hall.

Between 2008 and 2017 there have been 13 crashes in the 50km/h area in area in Tāneatua. Three of the crashes involved pedestrians.

NZTA Bay of Plenty Transport System Manager, Rob Campbell, says the community has told us there is a safety issue that needs to be addressed.

“We can put measures in place to reduce the likelihood of these crashes occurring but we need the community’s help.

“We’d like to encourage people to come along to let us know where they see the issues so we can formulate a plan.” Mr Campbell says.

People can provide the feedback in person at the open day or online from Thursday 26 April until Thursday 10 May 2018 at https://app.maptionnaire.com/en/4109/.

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Safety upgrade Timaru’s State Highway 1, Theodosia and Elizabeth Streets

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

Headline: Safety upgrade Timaru’s State Highway 1, Theodosia and Elizabeth Streets

The work is estimated to take up to six weeks to complete and drivers should anticipate some short delays with some temporary traffic management around this busy intersection while the changes go in place.

“Having consulted with key community stakeholders and nearby businesses most affected by this intersection, there was almost unanimous support for changing the traffic movements and reconfiguring the new pedestrian refuges to increase safety,” says John Keenan, Transport Agency Maintenance Contract Manager.

“The new line markings and alterations to the traffic islands are aimed at improving the merge distance area on SH1 Theodosia Street south of the Sophia Street traffic signals and improving the right turning bay into Elizabeth Street.

“As part of these improvements, the right turn out of Elizabeth Street onto SH1 Theodosia Street will be closed and the exit onto SH1 Theodosia Street will be left turn only.  Also, the pedestrian safety and accessibility to the town centre will be improved,” says Mr Keenan.

“One nearby business operator did question the closure of the right turn out of Elizabeth St, but there are good safety reasons for this change as part of the works to reduce intersection crashes and conflicts with pedestrians.”

The road safety improvement works are supported by the Timaru District Council and are aiming to make it safer for all road users – motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians – at this busy intersection.

The work will be done by Paul Smith Earthmoving, a subcontractor to the South Canterbury highway network Maintenance Contractor Downer, on behalf of the Transport Agency.

The work is costing $115,000 with $15,000 coming from Timaru District Council.

Looking north from the intersection:

Looking south from the intersection:

How to stay up to date

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Extension of closure for SH1 south of Kaikōura – all day Wednesday and Thursday to 3pm

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

Headline: Extension of closure for SH1 south of Kaikōura – all day Wednesday and Thursday to 3pm

“As a result of the high winds today, our crews were restricted with some activities and will need to continue this work tomorrow. We will keep the highway closed until 3 pm Thursday,” says North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) Network Operations Manager Tresca Forrester.

“Some work was able to be completed today which was not affected by the high winds.”

Local convoys will operate tonight and in the morning to assist residents to leave and return to their homes.

“We understand this is frustrating for road users but it is important to have the highway as safe as possible heading into winter and the round the clock open hours both sides of the town,” says Ms Forrester.

For background on this project, view the media release:
Planned one day closure for SH1 south of Kaikōura in mid-April, delays same day Hurunui Bridge

Anyone travelling between Picton and Christchurch on Thursday, 19 April is advised to use the alternate route via Lewis Pass. For travel south of Kaikōura, the Inland Road via Waiau (Route 70) can be used.

For more information on the road closure as it is announced please visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/kaikoura-earthquake-response/planned-closures

How to stay up to date:

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State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikōura to reopen for night time travel from Monday 30 April

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

Headline: State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikōura to reopen for night time travel from Monday 30 April

Transport Agency Earthquake Recovery Manager Tim Crow says 24-hour operation has been the main focus since the road reopened in daytime hours in December and is an important milestone for all road users and residents.

“We’ve delivered an extensive construction programme over the last year and the critical safety work will soon be complete. More than 30,000 square metres of steel mesh has been wrapped around slips south of Kaikōura and new infrastructure such as bridges and seawalls has been built to the north.

“All of this construction work is designed to ensure the route stays safe and resilient for the future and we’ll be continuing our work to finish and improve the corridor throughout 2018.”

When the highway reopens at night, people can expect to see:

  • Multiple sections where traffic moves to a single lane, which will be controlled by traffic signals rather than current daytime Stop/Go controls

  • New signage including ‘no stopping’ and ‘rockfall’ signs (in addition to existing mesh and physical barriers) to protect road users and alert them to potential danger

  • Trains travelling day and night in either direction between Blenheim and Christchurch: drivers should take care at level crossings and check both ways before proceeding

  • Different types of traffic using the route including an increase in heavy vehicles, for example trucks and buses. Cyclists are advised to only use the road during the day for their own safety – due to multiple traffic lights and rockfall/no stopping areas

  • That there will continue to be no stopping or camping in the two most earthquake-damaged areas just north and south of Kaikōura.

The safety of road users remains a top priority, Mr Crow says.

“Road crews will be carrying out regular observations and inspections of the route throughout the night,” says Tresca Forrester, Network Operations Manager for the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery team (NCTIR). “We’ll be taking a proactive approach to wet weather throughout autumn and winter.

“In the event of persistent heavy rainfall, we may close the road as a precautionary measure – this can happen day or night. So drivers need to allow plenty of time for their trip and stay up-to-date on real-time travel information through www.nzta.govt.nz/p2c or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). We recommend checking at least two hours before travel and during your trip.”

Until SH1 reopens on 30 April, two sections continue to be closed every night between 7.30pm and 7.30am – they are (north of Kaikōura) between Clarence and Mangamaunu and (south of Kaikōura) between Goose Bay and the SH1/Leader Road Intersection.

How to stay up to date:

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Second State Highway 1 Desert Road closure confirmed for 36 hours from Thursday 19 April

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

Headline: Second State Highway 1 Desert Road closure confirmed for 36 hours from Thursday 19 April

The road will be closed for 36 hours from 7am Thursday 19 April until 7pm Friday 20 April to enable the second part of the concrete deck to be poured on the Waihohonu Stream Bridge. The bridge was damaged in a crash last year.

NZ Transport Agency Waikato Transport Systems Manager, Karen Boyt, says anyone planning to travel on the Desert Road should check the Transport Agency website or phone the call centre because the closure will be weather-dependent.  

“This will be the last full closure and we’d like to thank people for their patience while we’ve carried out this necessary repair.

“People should expect delays on the detour route. Our website and social media will be updated so keep an eye on those, or call us on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) so you’re aware of what’s ahead of you,” Ms Boyt says.

The first closure was completed last month.

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 bridge is expected to be open to two-way traffic without restriction from 3 May.

The detour route during the closure is State Highways 46, 47, 4, and 49. This detour is not suitable for vehicles over 46 tonnes, apart from 50MAX which is permitted. 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 have been unable to use the Desert Road section of SH1 since repairs started in February.

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

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

People can check all current road closures here:

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

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Speed restrictions to remain on Tauranga highways

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

Headline: Speed restrictions to remain on Tauranga highways

The SH36 Kennedy Road to Pyes Pa Road, SH29A between Poike Roundabout and Welcome Bay Roundabout and SH29A approaching Maungatapu Bridge from Matapihi areas were recently resealed but a mechanical failure has resulted in the stone (chip) not adhering to the road. The road will be repaired as soon as the weather allows.

NZTA Bay of Plenty Transport System Manager, Rob Campbell, says people should expect delays if they are travelling through this area.

“We’d like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this restricted speed may cause, we are treating the repair work as a priority.

“We’d like to ask people to stick to the advised speed through the work sites to keep themselves and others safe and to reduce the likelihood of vehicles being damaged,” Mr Campbell says.
The contractor is programming a permanent repair which will include removing the excess chip, clearing the drains and replacing the chipseal, but this can’t be carried completed until the overnight temperature warms again and a period of dry weather is forecast.

People can get live updates and check if the road is open by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or checking the website:

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

They can sign up for alerts for their journey at: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz

NZTA is also on Twitter and Facebook:

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Real-time digital messaging sign for SH35

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

Headline: Real-time digital messaging sign for SH35

Tairāwhiti Roads Journey Manager Helen Harris says the VMS has been strategically positioned in an area that will allow road users time and space to react to the messaging.

“The previous static sign at Turihaua wasn’t in a good place to allow vehicles to turn around in the event of a road closure,” Ms Harris says.

“The placement at Okitu now allows vehicles to turn off the state highway on to Wairere Road and make another choice on their journey.”

The four-line VMS will be remotely controlled by Wellington Transport Operations Centre from information received via local staff and NZ Transport Agency contractors.

Previously, there was a time delay for traffic information as a contractor had to travel to the static board and change the sign manually.

“The VMS is now operational and I’m pleased to have it ready before winter, which is great news for Tairāwhiti Roads and all of our road users,” Ms Harris says.

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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

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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.

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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.

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