Category: Transport

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Takaka Hill update 2.30 pm – road to close by 7pm Friday night, currently open all afternoon

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

Headline: Takaka Hill update 2.30 pm – road to close by 7pm Friday night, currently open all afternoon

In the meantime, the road is currently open in both directions to convoys.

“After further discussions with crews and geotechnical advisors on site, we have made the decision to close the road at 7pm, however, we may have to close it earlier,” says Frank Porter, NZ Transport Agency System Manager.

“If people can get over the hill sooner rather than later, that is a good idea. More rain is forecast for later today.”

Later opening time Saturday, 24 March

The highway is normally open 6 am to 8 am Mondays to Saturdays for the morning convoy but tomorrow the opening will be delayed by at least an hour to ensure the road is safe after today’s rain.

“We will be checking the condition of the road and slopes at first light Saturday morning and will reassess the situation at 7am, 24 March.”

Ideally, the road will open for two hours from close to 7am to 9 am but that will be confirmed tomorrow morning:

The lack of daylight means crews cannot go in to check the condition of the road and slopes any earlier. “Safety is and has to remain our first priority both for road users and our crews,” says Mr Porter.

Crews and geotechnical experts are monitoring the road and slopes to ensure road users are safe throughout today’s and tomorrow’s convoys.

“We are building more and more resilience into the road as we do more work, but given the extent of the damage across the Riwaka side of the hill, it is going to be some time before the road is as stable as it was before ex-tropical-cyclone Gita,” says Mr Porter.

Stay up to date

Traffic and travel pages for usual convoy information

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Auckland Overnight motorway closures 25 – 31 March 2018

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

Headline: Auckland Overnight motorway closures 25 – 31 March 2018

Check daily updated closure information: click here.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Northbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off ramp and Silverdale on ramp, 31 March (approx. 8:00p.m. to 8:00a.m.)
  • Oteha Valley Road northbound on ramp, 31 March (approx. 8:00p.m. to 8:00a.m.)
  • Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Upper Harbour Highway on ramp, 25 – 26 March (approx. 12:00a.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 27 – 28 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Upper Harbour Highway northbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Greville Road northbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off ramp and Upper Harbour Highway on ramp, 25 – 28 March
  • Oteha Valley Road southbound on ramp, 25 – 28 March
  • McClymonts Road southbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Greville Road southbound on ramp, 25 – 28 March
  • Onewa Road northbound off ramp, 25 March (approx. 12:00a.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Onewa Road northbound on ramp, 27 March
  • Stafford Road northbound off ramp, 27 March
  • Shelly Beach Road southbound off ramp, 28 March
  • Curran Street northbound on ramp, 27 March

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • St Marks Road southbound on ramp, 27 March
  • Market Road northbound off ramp, 25 March
  • Market Road southbound off ramp, 27 March
  • Greenlane northbound on ramp, 26 March
  • Greenlane northbound off ramp, 27 March
  • Southbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on ramp, 26 March (approx. 12:00a.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Southbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on ramp, 27 – 28 March (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on ramp, 25 March (approx. 12:00a.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound off ramp, 25 March (approx. 12:00a.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on ramp, 26 March (approx. 12:00a.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m)
  • Tecoma Street southbound off ramp, 25 – 26 March (approx. 12:00a.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Tecoma Street southbound off ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Tecoma Street southbound on ramp, 25 – 28 March
  • Princes Street southbound off ramp, 25 March
  • East Tamaki Road southbound off ramp, 26 March
  • Hill Road northbound on ramp, 25 – 28 March
  • Northbound lanes between Papakura off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 25 – 26 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Papakura northbound (diamond) on ramp, 25 – 26 March
  • Papakura northbound (loop) on ramp, 25 – 26 March
  • Southbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Papakura on ramp, 27 – 28 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Takanini southbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Northbound lanes between Ramarama off ramp and SH22/Drury on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Ramarama northbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 27 March
  • SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 28 March

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road roundabout and Lincoln Road on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Hobsonville Road southbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Royal Road southbound on ramp, 26 – 28 March
  • Northbound lanes between Lincoln Road off ramp and Brigham Creek Road roundabout, 27 – 28 March
  • Lincoln Road northbound on ramp, 27 – 28 March
  • Patiki Road southbound off ramp, 26 – 28 March
  • Patiki Road northbound on ramp, 25 – 28 March
  • SH16 southbound to SH20 southbound link (part of full southbound tunnel closure), 26 – 28 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • SH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (part of full southbound tunnel closure), 26 – 28 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • SH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 27 – 28 March
  • Squadron Drive westbound off ramp, 28 March
  • Tauhinu Road westbound on ramp, 28 March

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Northbound lanes between Dominion Road off ramp and Maioro Street on ramp, 28 – 29 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Dominion Road northbound on ramp, 28 – 29 March
  • Walmsley Road southbound on ramp, 28 March

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • Northbound lanes between Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive and Kirkbride Road on ramp, 25 – 28 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Kirkbride Road northbound off ramp, 25 – 28 March (subject to other closures in the area, please check before travelling)
  • Kirkbride Road northbound on ramp, 25 – 28 March
  • Southbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off ramp and Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive, 25 – 28 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Kirkbride Road southbound off ramp, 25 – 28 March (subject to other closures in the area, please check before travelling)
  • Kirkbride Road southbound on ramp, 25 – 28 March

Please follow the signposted detours. The Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation 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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Takaka Hill update – persistent rain curtails work on hill, highway opened to all traffic as of midday

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

Headline: Takaka Hill update – persistent rain curtails work on hill, highway opened to all traffic as of midday

The highway has been open for morning and evening convoys in recent weeks on weekdays and Saturdays after ex-tropical-cyclone Gita (20 February) caused a large amount of damage.

Steady rain has been falling in the area this morning and more rain is expected this afternoon. The morning convoy this morning went as planned.

“There is very little crews can do in terms of the programmed repair works today so it makes sense to open up the road from midday and allow traffic to travel over the hill now,” says Frank Porter, NZ Transport Agency System Manager. Permitted vehicles which normally make a trip across the hill at midday will travel as part of the convoys from midday also.

“Safety is and has to remain our first priority, so we will monitor and assess conditions as the day progresses. Letting traffic through now and for the rest of the day gives people an opportunity to travel, should we need to close the hill later today if rain persists.”

  • A further update will be sent out at 3pm today.
  • Crews and geotechnical experts are monitoring the road and slopes to ensure road users are safe throughout the convoys.

Stay up to date

Traffic and travel pages for usual convoy information

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Auckland Motorway Alliance wins top safety award

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

Headline: Auckland Motorway Alliance wins top safety award

The 3M Traffic Safety Innovation Award for 2018, which recognises exemplary innovation and effectiveness to save lives and injuries on roads, was presented yesterday (22 March) at the Engineering NZ Transportation Group’s annual conference, attended by more than 150 of NZ’s transport professionals and advocates.

Transportation Group National Chairman, Alan Gregory said the AMA had demonstrated an effective and innovative approach to reducing the risk of wrong-way driving on the motorway network, which can cause deaths and serious injuries to road users and result in significant traffic congestion on the state highway.

“The AMA is being congratulated through this award for developing such an innovative and effective project, which could be applied to signalised intersections in other parts of the country or around the world,” Mr Gregory said.

The AMA is a formal alliance led by the NZ Transport Agency to operate and maintain Auckland’s motorway network.

The NZ Transport Agency’s System Manager Steve Mutton says it’s great to see our partners being recognised for their commitment to making the roads safer.

“They are stretching the boundaries and exploring all avenues in their approach to keeping people safe on our system.”

The traffic signals modification replaces the solid round green light with a green arrow where a turn is banned. This allows the removal of signs banning turns, reducing clutter. The approach is based on the principle of reinforcing to drivers expected behaviour, rather than telling motorists what they can’t do.

The change is in response to seeing motorists drive down off ramps before realising their mistake and retreating. More than 100 wrong-way drivers make it on to the motorway by mistake each year.

Test sites recorded a reduction in wrong-way driving of between 80-100% and the AMA is rolling out the improvement across the Auckland motorway network.

The 3M Traffic Safety Innovation Award is based on the Safe System approach. The Safe System approach aims for a more forgiving road system that takes human fallibility and vulnerability into account. Under a Safe System we design the whole transport system to protect people from death and serious injury.

Judges considered the specific features of the many projects submitted, particularly in terms of innovation in thinking and technology, problem-solving as well as the real benefits in reducing trauma. Cost-effectiveness and transferability to other areas were other key criteria.

Finalists for this hotly-contested award came from many areas of the transport profession.

The winning team was made up of:

  • Andrew Stevens – Auckland Motorway Alliance
  • Rojina Baisyet –  Beca
  • Joanna Chung –  Opus
  • Jerry Khoo –  Beca
  • Murray Parker –  NZ Transport Agency

The other finalists were:

  • Auckland Motorway Alliance – X-NET – the use of military hardware in the fight to keep road workers safe
  • Auckland Motorway Alliance – Outriggers
  • Level crossing safety programme – Kiwi Rail
  • Safety MAN Road Safety Truck – NZ Trucking Association

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Waiho Bridge, south of Franz Josef Glacier, Westland – upcoming night closures and daytime delays

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

Headline: Waiho Bridge, south of Franz Josef Glacier, Westland – upcoming night closures and daytime delays

The bridge will be opened at the top of each hour (for example, at 11 pm, at midnight, at 1 am etc), to let traffic pass and emergency vehicles will be accommodated as quickly as possible at any time.

During the day, there will also be much shorter delays around the work site of up to 15 minutes as work continues. Some of this daytime work has begun.

“The night-time bridge closures are to replace the bridge decking and emulsion coat the new surface with a final seal next summer,” says Transport Agency Maintenance Contract Manager Margarita Gonzalez-Borrero.

The worn condition of the Waiho River Bailey Bridge deck:

“Thanks to all South Westland residents and business operators who use this bridge overnight, after 10 pm. If you are able to be there as close to the top of the hour as possible it will minimise your wait,” she says.

She also thanked daytime drivers who would have shorter delays while the work was underway over the next month.

The worn condition of the Waiho River Bailey Bridge deck

Stay up to date

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: www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us

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State Highway 1 Desert Road closure Monday 26 March

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

Headline: State Highway 1 Desert Road closure Monday 26 March

The road will be closed for 36 hours from 7am Monday to enable the concrete deck to be poured on the Waihohonu Stream Bridge. The bridge was damaged in a crash last year.

NZTA Waikato Transport Systems Manager, Karen Boyt, says road users should ensure they check the NZTA website or call us because the closure will still be weather permitting.

“We understand the closure of the Desert Road has a major impact on people and business and we’d like to apologise in advance for the disruption this work will cause.

“People should avoid travelling if they can or 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.

Earlier scheduled closures have been delayed because of wet weather and a health and safety issue.

Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for late 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.

Check current road closures

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Short delays expected overnight on State Highway 2 in central Tauranga

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

Headline: Short delays expected overnight on State Highway 2 in central Tauranga

The detour will take people off State Highway 2 at 15th avenue and along Cameron Road to Elizabeth Street, and back onto State Highway2.

The work is weather permitting but is expected to be carried out between 7pm and 5am both nights.

The NZ Transport Agency says people should expect delays and add around five minutes to their journey.

Stay up to date by:

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New seal to be laid on SH1 through the Brynderwyn Hills this weekend

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

Headline: New seal to be laid on SH1 through the Brynderwyn Hills this weekend

This final layer of seal will improve the road’s skid resistance and improve its waterproofing to ensure a resilient and long lasting road surface, says the Transport Agency’s Senior Manager Project Delivery, Chris Hunt.

The work is part of the Brynderwyn Improvements Project which has improved safety on the busy state highway by widening the road and shoulders, removing tight corners and installing 14 kms of safety barriers along the edge of the road and the centre line to separate north and south bound traffic.

Work will start on at 7pm Sunday night and run through till 6am, says Mr Hunt.

There will be more overnight work on Monday 26 March from 7pm to 6am.

On both nights, the road will remain open but there will be stop/go traffic management in place and a 30 km/hour speed limit along the 4.6 kilometre stretch of SH1. Drivers can expect a delay of up to 5 minutes.

The sealing work will continue during the day on Tuesday 27 March and Wednesday 28 March between 7:30am and 5pm.

There will be traffic management in place with a contraflow, which means there will be one lane in both directions and a 50 km/hour speed limit. Delays are expected to be minimal.

The Brynderwyns work is in addition to repair and resealing work on the three Mata Bridges further north on SH1 between Ruakaka and Oakleigh. This work is also due to start on Sunday night and run for four nights.

Both sets of work are weather dependent and may be postponed at short notice.

The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and understanding and urges them to allow extra time for their journey or reschedule it to avoid delays.

Please follow the directions of the road crews and keep to the speed limits to ensure the safety of road crews and all other road users.

Latest information on road works and road closures

For Auckland and Northland

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Russian Federation

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Russian Federation

Terrorism
There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Russia. Terrorist attacks have occurred in recent years, including in Moscow.

On 3 April 2017, an explosion occurred on a train carriage travelling between Sennaya Ploshchad and Tekhnologichesky Institut metro stations in central St Petersburg. At least 9 people were killed and more than 20 injured.

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Transport Agency proposes safety improvements for SH58

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

Headline: Transport Agency proposes safety improvements for SH58

NZTA’s Director of Regional Relationships Emma Speight says the proposal is part of a wider package of improvements designed to make SH58 safer.

“SH58 has accumalated one of the worst safety records in New Zealand and it’s a priority for the Agency to make significant safety improvements as soon as possible,” Ms Speight says.

“We expect a lower speed limit, along with other improvements like straightening dangerous curves, intersection improvements and installing a median barrier, will reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries by up to 65% over five years.”

“We’re also working with local councils to set safe speeds for the local roads connecting to this part of SH58. As part of this engagement, the Porirua City Council is consulting on its proposal to set a 60km/h speed limit for PCC roads that connect to SH58.”

The consultation will run from 20 March to 20 April 2018. Two open days will be held at the Pauatahanui School on:

  • Saturday, 24 March, 10am to noon
  • Tuesday, 27 March, 6.30 to 8.30pm

If you are unable to attend an open day you can:

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