Work to construct a new passing lane at the western end of the Awakino Gorge on SH3 (Ladies Mile) will start this week.
Acting Director of Regional Relationships Ross I’Anson says the work beginning next Monday 11 March will start with adding a passing lane to Ladies Mile, this will help keep traffic moving on the route and to reduce driver frustration.
“Other improvements planned for the 58km route include a further passing lane just north of Tongaporutu at Rapanui, a slow vehicle bay at Mokau, shoulder widening at the Clifton Road intersection at Tongaporutu Village and slope stability work in the Awakino Gorge.
“This work along with safety improvements completed last year will help reduce delays on the route and make it safer and more enjoyable to travel on,” Mr I’Anson says.
The southbound Ladies Mile passing lane is expected to be complete mid-2020, however construction will pause over the winter and recommence in the spring.
Work on the northbound passing lane at Rapanui is scheduled to start next summer, subject to consents being obtained.
Early safety improvements completed last year included roadside safety barriers in high-risk areas, rumble strips, electronic curve warning signs, new formalised pull over areas and a new slow vehicle bay at Awakau Road.
We ask those travelling through this section of SH3 to be patient and expect delays on their journey,” says Mr I’Anson.
The work is part of the SH3 Awakino Gorge to Mt Messenger Programme which will improve freight efficiency, safety, route availability and driver experience between New Plymouth and Hamilton.
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