The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to be aware of changes underway soon on State Highway 1 between Raumati and Mackays Crossing as preparatory work begins on the Raumati Straights section of the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway.
Transport Agency regional performance manager Mark Owen says crews will soon be taking advantage of the quiet January period to start work improving the SH1 Raumati Straights. This major upgrade will improve the bumpy section of highway between Mackays Crossing and Raumati to ensure a safe, seamless, high-quality connection between the Kapiti Expressway and Transmission Gully.
Before the nine month upgrade kicks off early next year, preparatory work will be undertaken over November and December to remove the median barrier.
“We will need to remove the barrier to provide room to work while allowing traffic to flow smoothly. We will have speed restrictions and traffic management in place to ensure motorists remain safe. We’re doing it at night to keep disruption to a minimum, and we ask that motorists keep their eyes peeled for signage and road cones, and to drive with care to keep workers and road users safe.”
Mr Owen says the Raumati Straights work will give this section a long-awaited upgrade.
“People who regularly travel on this highway will know that it’s got an uneven surface and that it’s due a major upgrade. While this does require several months’ worth of roadworks, it’s a small price to pay to make sure we have a safe, seamless and high-quality connection between Kapiti Expressway and Transmission Gully.”
Mr Owen says starting the upgrade in January will enable the work to kick off with minimal disruption, as motorists will be able to gradually get used to road changes at a time when the highway is less busy.
The upgrade will be undertaken by the M2PP Alliance. Mr Owen says the work has been carefully planned to be as painless as possible for motorists, and representatives from the community have helped to guide this planning. Detailed information will be released in December about the phases of the work and how traffic will be managed.
Mr Owen says he encourages members of the community to come along to the Expressway Open Day on 22 November to learn more about the M2PP Expressway, as well as the Peka Peka to Otaki section and Transmission Gully.
People can get online and check www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys(external link) for up to date information on road works and detours in the region they’re in, or travelling to. They can also find out by calling 0800 444 449 (0800 4 HIGHWAYS), following us on Facebook or Twitter, or visiting the Transport for Wellington(external link) website.
