Work has started to improve safety on a 90 metre section of State highway 1(SH1) between Invercargill and Bluff at the Mokotua Creek.
Transport Agency Network Manager Peter Robinson, says routine inspections of this part of the highway about three months ago, showed some areas of the road surface had skid resistance levels that were lower than desirable, for this site. Initially, as is common practice, any excess bitumen was removed, but at this site it hasn’t delivered the results expected. Nor have other small scale measures.
“We have now made the call to start from scratch and rebuild the road surface to bring being skid resistance levels up to a higher standard. As part of this work, the guardrail adjacent to the road on the outside of the curve is being upgraded . The all up cost of this safety improvement work is $75,000 and should be completed by mid to late April.
Mr Robinson said it is essential for road users to stick to the posted temporary speed limits, as the guardrail needs to be removed, while the road surfacing is completed. Although the area will be coned off, drivers who speed through the site risk losing control, and cannot rely on the guardrail to stop them running off the road and down the bank.
The Transport Agency appreciates the patience shown by road users while we’ve worked through issues at this site, and we are doing our best to complete the latest job as quickly as possible.
For more information please contact:
Bob Nettleton
Senior Communications Advisor
T: 03 951 3005
M: 021 954 928
bob.nettleton@nzta.govt.nz
