The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that a major safety overhaul of 2km of State Highway 1 at Dashwood will affect travel in coming months as the project approaches the home straight.
Marlborough Roads manager Frank Porter says progress is marching along on the Dashwood Overbridge and Realignment project, and work is now beginning to link the new highway with the existing highway.
“While work has been off-road since the project began early this year, crews would now get to work linking the new , straighter road with the existing highway, which will soon become the ‘old route’.”
Because crews will need to work on the highway, this means motorists will be affected more frequently by delays as the final sections of the project, which is due to be completed before Easter, are tied into place.
“We really want to keep delays to a minimum, and it’s a small price to pay for a safer road that will help to prevent deaths and serious injuries. This is an eagerly anticipated project, and we’re confident motorists will be very understanding if they have to wait a few minutes while our crews get to work finishing this vital piece of safety infrastructure.”
“It’s exciting that the public can look forward to safer, easier journeys on this busy stretch of State Highway 1 in just a few months’ time.”
Mr Porter says that next week, motorists will be moved onto a temporary road at the southern end of the project.
“There’s going to be some real changes, so it’s important to keep your wits about you, exercise care, and follow all instructions and signs. That way we can ensure the safety of yourself, other road users, and our workers.”
Mr Porter says on average delays should not exceed more than a few minutes, and traffic flows will be monitored to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
The work is being undertaken by Higgins Contractors. It’s the biggest roading project in Marlborough since the Awatere Bridge replacement in 2007, and includes building a new seismically resilient bridge and rail tunnel, improving the approach to the bridge, and removing several tight curves on either side. Higgins is using local contractors to do earthworks and pavement construction.
For more information please contact:
Anthony Frith
Media Manager - Central
T: 04 894 5251
M: 027 213 7617
E: anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz
