Wellington drivers can expect fewer flooding issues at the State Highway 1 Johnsonville offramp soon.
The southbound offramp will be closed at night for four weeks from Sunday, 10 November, to Thursday, 5 December, for drainage improvement works.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says drainage at the offramp needs to be improved.
“The area tends to flood during heavy rain. The amount of water coming off the nearby hill is simply too much for the current drains to manage.”
“Installing improved drainage will remove water faster. Not only will this make the offramp safer for drivers, but it will also protect the highway and offramp from water damage,” Ms Hilliard says.
She says the work will be carried out at night when there is less traffic on the road, between 9 pm and 4:30 am – Sunday to Thursday nights. Traffic management will begin setting up from 8 pm.
“We realise this is a much-used offramp, and closing it at night will create some disruption. However, it is the best way to complete the job as quickly as possible. The offramp will be open Friday and Saturday nights,” Ms Hilliard says.
Alternative access to Johnsonville is available. But Ms Hilliard warns it will add to travel time.
“Southbound traffic wanting to get to Johnsonville will have to head south on State Highway 1, take the Centennial Highway exit that connects with Hutt Road, then head north again on State Highway 1 to use the northbound Johnsonville offramp.”
“This is an extra six kilometres, so it’s essential people plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys,” Ms Hilliard says.
Drivers must follow the instructions of road crews and obey all traffic management and temporary speed restrictions in place. This ensures workers and drivers are kept safe.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank road users for their patience and cooperation while this critical state highway maintenance work is completed.
