Improving safety on State Highway 6 Blenheim to Nelson – community open days 7-10 August, 2017

The NZ Transport Agency expects a high level of interest in the upcoming community open days next week (7-10 August) in Nelson, Blenheim, Havelock and Rai Valley. The meetings will outline a range of safety approaches which could be used on State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson and seek community feedback on these.

Transport Agency Director Regional Relationships Jim Harland says between 2006 and 2016, 20 people died and 93 were seriously injured* in crashes on this part of the highway.

“Many of these crashes involved loss of control with drivers running off the road and hitting roadside objects such as trees and power poles,” he says. “There have also been head-on crashes and some of these have been at intersections. Something has to change and that’s why making this route safer is a priority.”

Mr Harland says the Transport Agency is keen to hear from local communities about how they use the route and what they think could be improved.

”We’d like as many people as possible to come along to the open days. They’re a great opportunity to hear about the project and have a chat with the project team – including safety experts – and give us your ideas,” says Mr Harland.

For those that can’t make it to the open days, the best way to provide feedback is by using the online feedback form at www.nzta.govt.nz/b2n.(external link)

State Highway 6: Blenheim to Nelson Community Open Days:

*Editor’s note: The figures for fatalities and serious injuries noted above are for the entire route from Blenheim to Nelson. Figures included in the previous media statement dated 24 July 2017 covered the section from Rai Valley to Nelson only.

If you would like a high resolution version of the map, please contact Frances.Adank@nzta.govt.nz