Enjoy safer road trips around Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki this King’s Birthday weekend.
While road crews may not be working during King’s Birthday, there may still be a number of roadworks sites around the regions with temporary traffic controls, such as lower speeds or stop/go controls, in place.
Sites where road users can expect delays to their travel include:
SH4 Upokongaro to Raetihi: As well as existing damaged sites, there are several sites along SH4 that received damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and have traffic management in place, including a number that require further investigation and designs completed prior to remedial action taking place.
SH4 Te Oreore slip: Following a slip in 2019, a temporary road is in place at Te Oreore, with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Construction of three new retaining walls north of the main slip area are ongoing.
SH4 Auraki Stream Road Retreat: Work to retreat the road away from a slip adjacent to the Mangawhero River is currently underway and is expected to be complete by August 2023, weather dependent. Yesterday (Thursday) saw traffic moved onto the new road’s southbound lane. The same traffic management that is in place now past the work site will remain in place for traffic on the new road: a 30km/h temporary speed limit and stop/go.
SH2 Oringi rail overbridge. This bridge remains single lane at this time. There are traffic lights and a temporary speed restriction.
SH1/3 between Bulls and Sanson. Traffic management is now in place at the entrance of RNZAF Base Ohakea as the site is readied for construction of two temporary roads and a temporary roundabout.
Waka Kotahi Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki Journey Manager Liesl Dawson says the long weekend is always a good chance to travel around the regions.
“You’re on holiday, so please take care, don’t rush and drive to the conditions.
“There are a number of things people can do to ensure they have a relaxed, safe journey. These include checking your vehicle is safe to drive before you leave; being patient while on the road; slowing down; taking regular breaks to stay alert and keeping a safe following distance while on the road.
“We love seeing road users making the most of the long weekend and chance for a road trip – make it a road trip to remember and return home safely.”
