The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that temporary speed restrictions will soon be in force for southbound motorists on SH2 past Whakatiki Street in Upper Hutt while the NZTA investigates further safety measures at this high-crash intersection.
NZTA Central Operations Manager Mark Owen says the temporary speed restriction of 80km/hr will apply once the temporary signs are installed this week, and will help to improve safety at the intersection of SH2 and Whakatiki St.
"The number of crashes we've seen at this intersection is concerning, and we need to make it safer."
"We have already started an investigation of State Highway 2 between Moonshine Hill Road and Gibbons Street to help us determine why crashes are happening and what practical steps we can take to stop them. We want to make it safer while the study is underway, and lowering the speed limit in the interim will help to do this while we identify a permanent solution."
Mr Owen says that the permanent solutions the study will look at may include physical changes to their intersection, signage, and/or a permanent speed reduction, although it is too early to say what the outcome will be at this stage. The investigation is expected to be completed later this year.
"Improving the safety of our roads depends on four things - safer speeds, safer roads and roadsides, safer drivers and safer vehicles. We want to make the roads safer for everyone who uses them. Engineering measures and setting safe and appropriate speed limits are part of the solution. However, we also need road users to share the responsibility of improving safety, so we're appealing to drivers to take great care at this intersection, and to pay particular care to their speeds and watch for drivers turning in and out of Whakatiki Drive."
Mr Owen says encouraging lower travel speeds will help to reduce the risk and severity of crashes.
Mr Owen says there have been 4 serious crashes, 5 minor crashes and 14 non-injury crashes at the intersection in the five year period 2008 to 2012. The speed restriction is temporary, and any permanent speed restriction, if proposed, would be subject to consultation and approval.
