Waka Kotahi is seeking public feedback on speed limit proposals for State Highway 1 (SH1) and the surrounding road network, ahead of the Transmission Gully motorway opening.
When Transmission Gully opens it will become part of SH1, to reflect its function as the main route in and out of Wellington. The current section of SH1 between Linden and Mackays Crossing will be renumbered State Highway 59 (SH59).
Renumbering Wellington SH1 and SH59
Waka Kotahi is proposing to introduce a southbound Variable Speed Limit (VSL) from the northern end of the Kenepuru Interchange on SH1 Transmission Gully (approximately 3km of Transmission Gully) to Helston Road in Johnsonville. A VSL is already in place in both directions on SH1 between the Terrace Tunnel and Helston Road.
Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen says having the ability to adjust speed limits in response to safety or congestion issues provides people with a better and safer experience when using the network.
“Speed limits are one way of keeping people safe on the roads. They also help ensure that the roads are flowing smoothly and connecting well with other parts of the roading network.
“While Transmission Gully is a four-lane motorway designed to the highest safety standards, there may be congestion on the surrounding road network, particularly at peak times.
“A VSL allows for speed limits to be adjusted if there is congestion ahead on the network, or for slowing vehicles down in the event of incidents or weather conditions that may affect safety.
“With ongoing remediation work on the network, and the need to ensure everyone is familiar with the new state highway layout, we will be closely monitoring the merge between SH1 and SH59 at Linden,” says Mr Owen.
“We are planning to install electronic signs in the months after Transmission Gully opens. This will enable us to vary the speed limit at the SH1/SH59 merge once we are comfortable with how it is performing and drivers are more familiar with the new layout.”
The speed limit consultation will cover those parts of SH1 and SH59 that have been realigned as part of the motorway construction, the motorway on and off-ramps, the Kenepuru link road that has been built as part of the project, and the link roads being built by Porirua City Council, connecting eastern Porirua with the motorway.
People can provide feedback from 12pm Monday 28 June until 5pm on Tuesday 27 July by:
