Category: Transport

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

Headline: Hackathon begins the search for new hi-tech road safety ideas

The 48-hour event brings together volunteers with diverse skills, interests and perspectives to solve problems in a competitive, time-pressured environment.

15 teams have formed and have until Sunday afternoon to work up and present their concept to a judging panel.

120 people signed up for the Hackathon on a first-in first served basis, with about 90 more on a waiting list. They include developers, tech experts and people with engineering or transport backgrounds. Some just have a personal motivation for improving road safety.

“We are in for a really exciting time as we engage with everyday transport users who are also really smart thinkers and technology innovators. There is no limit to what they might come up with,” says the Transport Agency’s Safety and Environment Director Harry Wilson.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three concepts, but the Transport Agency reserves the right to work with any of the teams to help them develop their ideas to the next stage.

The teams will retain the intellectual property of their ideas, with the Transport Agency helping to market their work in the interests of road safety. The Transport Agency will be asking the teams to keep its “Safe System” approach front of mind as they build their solutions. The Safe System approach aims for a more forgiving road system that takes human fallibility and vulnerability into account.

“We can help with resources and by introducing them to others in the innovation and technology communities. We may be able to offer financial support to help develop a prototype or take the idea to the next level,” says Mr Wilson.

“We don’t know what we’ll get and we’re open to all ideas, but we’re looking for problem solving with a clear focus on the outcome – preventing crashes and saving lives.”

“The Hackathon’s theme is “Save One More Life”. Last year 379 people died on our roads, and every one of those lives lost is a tragedy. We’re looking for new ways to make our roads safer and improve driver behaviour.”

“It’s about unleashing the potential of technology to reduce the road toll,” says Mr Wilson.

The Hackathon has some heavyweight technology companies offering their support and resources to the teams over the weekend, including Microsoft, Google Cloud, IBM, Uber and Consegna Cloud.

The Hackathon is based at the Transport Agency’s Innovation Centre at 105 Cook Street in Auckland.

The teams have 10 minutes each on Sunday afternoon to present their concepts to the judges, starting at 1pm.

More information about the Hackathon. 

More info about the safe system here. 

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

Headline: Cambridge to Piarere safety improvements get underway

The safety improvements include adding roadside safety barriers in high-risk areas to stop vehicles running off the road and a wide centreline to keep vehicles apart. Minor improvements will also be made to some intersections along the route.

NZ Transport Agency Regional System Manager Karen Boyt says the safety improvements will help prevent people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on the route.

“This road is currently the main link between Auckland and Tauranga and Hamilton and Tauranga but too many people are losing their lives on the road,” Ms Boyt says.

“Between January 2005 and December 2014 nine people died and 29 were seriously injured on this stretch of the road. Safety barriers and wide centrelines are relatively easy to install but can be the difference between life and death if someone makes a mistake on the road.”

The short-term safety improvements will be carried out by Splice Construction on behalf of the Transport Agency and are expected to be completed by the end of summer 2019. A map of the planned safety improvements is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/c2p.

The project is part of the government’s $600m Safe Roads and Roadsides programme underway to reduce deaths and seriously injuries on NZ rural state highways

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

Headline: Auckland overnight motorway closures 18 – 24 March 2018

Check daily updated closure information

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Silverdale southbound on ramp, 21 March
• Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off ramp and Upper Harbour Highway on ramp, 18–22 March
• Oteha Valley Road southbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• McClymonts Road southbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Greville Road southbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 18–22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Upper Harbour Highway northbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Greville Road northbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Shelly Beach Road southbound off ramp, 19 March
• Westhaven Drive slip lane, 19 March

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (SH1 & SH16)

• (SH1) Fanshawe Street southbound off ramp, 19 March (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)
• (SH1) Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off ramp and Hobson Street on ramp, 22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• (SH16) Eastbound lanes between Newton Road off ramp and Grafton Road on ramp, 22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• (SH16) Grafton Road eastbound on ramp, 22 March
• SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 22 March
• SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 22 March
• SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 22 March
• SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 22 March
• SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 22 March
• SH16 Port westbound to SH1 northbound link, 22 March
• (SH1) Symonds Street southbound on ramp, 18–22 March

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• St Marks Road southbound on ramp, 22 March
• Market Road northbound off ramp, 21 March
• Market Road southbound off ramp, 22 March
• Greenlane northbound off ramp, 18 March
• Greenlane southbound on ramp, 19 March
• Tecoma Street southbound off ramp, 18–22 March
• Tecoma Street southbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on ramp, 19 March
• East Tamaki Road northbound off ramp, 22 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
• East Tamaki Road northbound on ramp, 22 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
• Hill Road northbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Southbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Papakura on ramp, 18–22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Takanini southbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Northbound lanes between Papakura off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 20–22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Papakura northbound on ramp (loop), 20–22 March
• Papakura northbound on ramp (diamond), 20 – 22 March
• SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 21 March 

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road roundabout and Lincoln Road on ramp, 21–22 March
• Hobsonville Road southbound on ramp, 21–22 March
• Royal Road southbound on ramp, 21–22 March
• Royal Road northbound off ramp, 18 March
• Rosebank Road eastbound on ramp, 19 March
• Great North Road westbound off ramp, 18 March

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

• SH18 westbound to SH16 eastbound link, 21–22 March
• Squadron Drive eastbound on ramp, 19 March
• Squadron Drive westbound off ramp, 18 March
• Tauhinu Road westbound on ramp, 18 March

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

• Maioro Street northbound on ramp, 18 March
• Northbound lanes between Dominion Road off ramp and Maioro Street on ramp, 21 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Dominion Road northbound on ramp, 21 March
• Northbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off ramp and Dominion Road on ramp, 22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Hillsborough Road northbound on ramp, 22 March
• Northbound lanes between Neilson Street off ramp and Hillsborough Road on ramp, 19 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Neilson Street northbound on ramp, 19 March
• SH20 northbound to SH20A westbound link, 18–22 March
• SH20 southbound to SH20A westbound link, 18–22 March
• Southbound lanes between Massey Road off ramp and Puhinui Road on ramp, 21 – 22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Massey Road southbound on ramp, 21–22 March

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

• Kirkbride Road northbound off ramp, 18–22 March
• Kirkbride Road northbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Kirkbride Road southbound off ramp, 18–22 March
• Kirkbride Road southbound on ramp, 18–22 March
• Northbound lanes between Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive and SH20 18–22 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Southbound lanes between SH20 and Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive, 18–22 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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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Preferred option for SH3 Manawatū Gorge replacement announced

The preferred option selected is Option 3 of the four shortlisted options, which runs from near the Te Apiti carpark western entry of the closed Manawatū Gorge, cross the Ruahine Ranges north of the Gorge, before emerging at Woodville.

NZ Transport Agency Director Regional Relationships Emma Speight says after a thorough investigation and extensive consultation, Option 3 emerged as the safest and most resilient route that best balances the combined needs of the communities, businesses and road users who will utilise it.

“Everybody understands just how important a replacement for the Gorge is. It will re-establish a key strategic transport and freight link that supports the needs of the people and economies of Central New Zealand.” Ms Speight says.

“Alongside this, the Transport Agency has committed to advancing investigations for a Regional Freight Ring Road, including a second road bridge across the Manawatū River, which stakeholders across the region see as a critical package to unlocking regional economic development opportunities.”

The Detailed Business Case process will begin immediately, covering a ten year programme of work, targeted for completion at the same time of the replacement route for the Manawatū Gorge. 

Horizons Regional Council Chairman Bruce Gordon says that progressing a Regional Freight Ring Road in parallel with the Manawatū Gorge replacement route would be a significant step forward for the region.

“It would connect key freight hubs and bring significant improvements to freight and passenger vehicle movements through the Central North Island hub of Manawatū, improving travel times and lowering costs. This better positions the region to attract investment in logistics, manufacturing and processing, which is critical for the region’s future growth and prosperity,” Mr Gordon says. 

The inclusion of a second bridge over the Manawatū River would assist in building the region’s resilience, provide a safer and more effective connection between some of the region’s key industrial areas, and remove heavy trucks from Palmerston North’s city centre.

Palmerston North City Council Mayor Grant Smith says engagement with regional stakeholders to reach a solution that achieves wider strategic objectives for both the region and the country as a whole was important.

“It is important for unlocking future regional economic development that the new State Highway 3 link offers connectivity and alignment to a proposed Regional Freight Ring Road and a new bridge. We are pleased this package of work achieves this,” Mr Smith says.

“It is a great example of central and local government collaboration to optimise public investment in infrastructure for the long term, and reflects the impact of the new Government Policy Statement on Transport, which requires regional economic development considerations to be taken into account.”

Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collis says that this outcome has strong support from a range of local authorities and industry representatives.

“The ongoing instability of the Gorge, which ultimately led to its closure in April 2017, has caused huge disruption for the region. The replacement route has been a matter of priority for the local councils and mayors and its pleasing to have worked so constructively with the Transport Agency to reach a decision that addresses both the immediate issue and the longer term strategic issues for the Tararua District and the wider region,” Ms Collis says.

A detailed business case on the new SH3 route will be finalised over the next few weeks. The project team will then seek resource consents with construction planned to begin in 2020, with the new road completed by 2024.

Download the preferred option for SH3 Manawatū Gorge

Option 3 will have an average incline gradient of 5.8%, with a maximum of 8% (in comparison, the current main alternative route, the Saddle Road, has a maximum gradient of 16%). 

Travel time is estimated to be 13 minutes for general traffic (compared to an average 16.7 minutes that it took to travel the Manawatū Gorge).

For more information visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/sh3-manawatu-gorge

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

Headline: People advised to expect delays around State Highway 30a Amohau Street

The roads around the Trade Central area are expected to be congested and people should expect delays.

There will be no parking along SH30A Amohau Street however there is additional parking on Pererika Street. Pedestrians are advised to cross at the traffic signals

People can stay up to date by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or they can check for state highway closures on 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: SH1 Desert Road closure re-scheduled for March 26

The road will be closed 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 the closure of the Desert Road was postponed after a problem with the scaffolding was spotted during the final health and safety check.

“We understand the closure of the Desert Road has a major impact on people and business and we’d like to apologise again for the delay and the uncertainty this has caused.

“However we take the safety of our workers and the public very seriously and we need to ensure the site is safe so the work can proceed.”

Earlier dates have been postponed because of bad weather. Pouring concrete in wet weather can have environmental and safety impacts.

Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for mid to 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.

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: SH1 Desert Road closure on hold, new date pending

The road will be closed 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 the closure of the desert Road has now been postponed after a problem with the scaffolding was spotted during the final health and safety check.

“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 delay and the uncertainty this has caused.

“However we take the safety of our workers and the public very seriously and we need to ensure the site is safe so the work can proceed.

“People should continue to 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 contractor is working as swiftly as possible to ensure the scaffolding is fully compliant with health and safety regulations.

Earlier dates have been postponed because of bad weather. Pouring concrete in wet weather can have environmental and safety impacts.

Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for mid to 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.

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: Re-work of seal at Mingha Bluff to be completed in good weather in autumn and spring

We are completing some re-work of the seal to ensure the longevity of the project. This work will continue while the warm weather holds out but will need to cease during poorer weather through the middle of the year and re-start and complete in spring. We apologise that some work on the road will continue in spring but thank commuters for their patience, particularly with road crews who are working in difficult terrain.”

The Mingha Bluff to Rough Creek realignment project has occurred along a 5km length of SH73, removing many narrow points and tight corners and introducing safety edge barriers.

“These works are the most significant improvements on this stretch of highway in more than a decade,” says Mr Collins. “Some severe rain over the past two summer seasons and the need for further work means we can already see that the re-work of the seal will move into spring.

“We still plan for a community celebration of this project,” says Mr Collins “But we expect this to occur later in the year.”

He said the realignment was already allowing for better forward visibility along the road due to the improved shape and width of the highway.

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

Headline: “Super Weekend” of work coming up on SH20A roundabout to Auckland Airport

Work started earlier this month to transform the roundabout into an eight lane intersection controlled by traffic lights because heavy traffic flows to and from the airport mean the roundabout does not function efficiently.

The changes are to improve safety, traffic flows and journey reliability, says the Transport Agency’s Senior Manager Project Delivery, Chris Hunt.

So far, the roundabout has been reduced in size with lanes re-aligned. The next big step is what the construction team is calling a “Super Weekend” to change the slip lane for traffic coming from the city and turning left off SH20A on to Verissimo Drive. The work includes a traffic switch, excavation, installing ducts and pits for traffic signal, laying concrete pavement and asphalt surfacing.

The team will work extended hours from 10pm on Friday 16 March until 5am on Tuesday 20 March to complete the work. The dates may change or be extended if the weather is bad.  The slip lane into Verissimo Drive will be closed but motorists will still be able to enter Verissimo Drive from the roundabout.

The “Super Weekend” strategy is to achieve in 4 days and nights what would otherwise take several weeks with the Verissimo Drive slip lane closed for the entire time.

“We recognise there will be an impact on traffic flows. The Super Weekend  will keep that disruption to the shortest possible timeframe, says Mr Hunt.

The Transport Agency asks drivers to be patient, approach the area with caution, keep to the speed limit and stay in your lane.

There are temporary traffic lights on George Bolt Memorial Drive and Verissimo Drive about 40 metres before the roundabout. Drivers still need to give way at the roundabout.

“”The team is working with Auckland Airport, Auckland  Transport and the Auckland Traffic Operations Centre to minimise the effects , but travellers should allow extra time for journeys to and from the airport,” says Mr Hunt. 

 The transformation from roundabout to intersection is expected to take several months.

When completed the intersection will have 8 lanes for north and south-bound traffic flow with dedicated left and right turn lanes. Landing Drive and Verissimo Drive will also have dedicated turning and straight through lanes to improve the flow of traffic entering and exiting the industrial areas.

The upgrade of the Landing Drive roundabout is part of ongoing improvements to SH20A, which is the primary route to and from Auckland Airport and forms a strategic link between SH20 and SH16, the Airport business district and the greater Auckland area. Other improvements include the upgraded Kirkbride intersection, with its trench underpass separating local and airport traffic.

For more information on SH20A upgrades see https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh20a-to-airport/

The Landing Drive roundabout with Verissimo Drive “Super Weekend” work area highlighted in yellow

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

Headline: Takaka Hill, SH 60 Update – increasing access to Golden Bay

Since the aftermath of ex-tropical-cyclone Gita, the hill road has been open to restricted convoys morning and evening (7-8 am and 5-6 pm) and Sunday daytime hours, 8 am to 5 pm.

“We understand how vital this road is as a lifeline for people in Golden Bay, and we are doing everything possible to improve access,” says Frank Porter, Transport Agency System Manager.

“We need to balance the need to keep the road open as much as possible with the need to fully rebuild it.”

An extra hour morning and evening Monday to Saturday

As of this Wednesday 14 March, the open hours for Takaka Hill road are extending by an hour each morning and evening, ie 6-8am and 5-7pm.

• The Sunday 8am to 5pm open hours remain the same.

Lunchtime permitted convoys continue, with commercial passenger transport included from this week

“The lunchtime essential freight convoy with daily permits continues,” says Mr Porter.

“We are also pleased to allow commercial bus and shuttle services to make the lunchtime trip as of this week, so long as they comply with the length restrictions.

“This will ease up access for some people who want to travel out of Golden Bay at lunchtime and come back in the evening on the same passenger service.”

Other easing of restrictions – a way to get bikes over the hill

While pedestrians and cyclists are not allowed to travel by foot or cycle over the hill, people can arrange bike transport through local bus or transport services, to get them over through the convoy system.

Cars or vans towing caravans, trailers and boats can now travel over morning and evening Monday to Saturday, and any time 8am – 5pm Sunday. The length of the object being towed is the only qualification.

• Trailers/boats/caravans of 7 metres or more in length may not be allowed over the hill.
• All travel is still by escorted convoy only.
• Trucks towing trailers are not permitted on the hill at this stage.
• Over-dimension or over width units or large coaches are not permitted.

What our crews have achieved so far

Transport Agency crews are working hard to widen the road around some of the tight bends that are currently not wide enough for truck and trailer units, says Mr Porter. “We are also surfacing sections of the road damaged in the storm, completing retaining wall repairs, repairing and installing new culverts and drains, and installing safety barriers. 

“We are installing electronic sign boards in Takaka, Upper Takaka, Rai township, Murchison and Richmond to help keep people updated as to the status of the Takaka Hill road.”

Key safety messages for drivers on the hill and people waiting in the convoys

• No overtaking on the Takaka Hill – people need to stay in their place in the convoy and drive with care once they are over the hill each side.
• Turn your lights off while waiting at either end of the closure point so that your vehicle battery doesn’t go flat.
• Please don’t wander out into the oncoming lane while you are waiting to join a convoy (particularly children).  Vehicles are travelling over the hill in that lane.
• Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and you have sufficient fuel.

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 is likely to be later than from 5 pm – 7 pm. The exact hours open will be confirmed closer to Easter.

After Easter hours and access – Tuesday, 3 April onwards

The Transport Agency is aiming to open up the road to be used without convoys, outside of the daytime construction work, ie outside of 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, including overnight.  However, this planned timetable to move beyond the convoy system is dependent on good weather in coming weeks.

A big thank you

“To the people needing to travel over State Highway 60, Takaka Hill, since the storm, a big thanks for your patience and understanding and all the messages of support that have been sent through,” says Mr Porter.  “We also thank our road crews for their hard work under difficult conditions.”

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
• check latest update: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh60-takaka-hill-repairs/
• www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland

• Tasman District Council’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TasmanDistrictCouncil/
• 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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