Construction has begun on the Rakaia northbound commercial vehicle safety centre, and is expected to be complete in late 2025.
Weigh-in-motion scales, static vehicle recognition cameras, and variable message signage have been installed on state highway 1 Rakaia.
This technology will screen passing 24/7 and direct any con-compliant heavy vehicles into the CVSC. Once operational, Police officers on site will check on vehicle weight, road user charges (RUC), certificate of fitness, logbook and driver impairment.
The Rakaia CVSCs will be split with facilities on both sides of SH1 so vehicles can turn left in and left out.
The northbound site is between Weavers Road and North Rakaia Road and the southbound site is on the opposite side of SH1 near North Rakaia Road.
The southbound site became operational in June 2024.
Rakaia southbound commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC)
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This location has been chosen as it is an essential link between one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural hubs and the Christchurch ports.
Around 40% of New Zealand’s forestry and agriculture exports comes from south of Rakaia, meaning there’s a really high concentration of freight and heavy vehicles travelling in this area every day.
Screening vehicles in this area will allow us to identify and target non-compliant operators, reduce road maintenance by reducing overloading on the network, and keep freight moving on this high-volume route.
There are new speed limits on SH1 Rakaia to make it safer and easier for people travelling in this area.
The speed limit through Rakaia has changed from 70km/h to 50km/h.
The speed limit from Rakaia over Rakaia River Bridge and railway overpass to just north of Weavers Road has changed from 100km/h to 80km/h.
We've also installed an intersection speed zone (ISZ) on SH1 at North Rakaia Road that changes the speed limit to 60 km/h when people are turning left out of North Rakaia Road.
Another ISZ will be installed on Weavers Road once the northbound CVSC is open.
