Safety improvements on State Highway 2 between Pokeno to Mangatarata are being investigated and will be explained at an information day at Maramarua on Wednesday 25 June.
The Safe System Corridor Project will identify improvements to reduce the number of head-on and run-off-road crashes, and make intersections safer. It covers two sections of SH2 which in the last 10 years have seen 214 crashes. Fifteen of those were fatal, and 16 involved serious injuries. Most of the fatal and serious crashes were caused by vehicles crossing the centreline or running off the road.
The 7.4km Western Section is from just east of the SH1 intersection at Pokeno to the Mangatawhiri Stream Bridge. The Eastern Section is 9.5km long and runs from east of Monument Road to the intersection with SH25.
“The project aims to save lives and lessen injuries by creating a more forgiving environment,” says Transport Agency Principal Safety Engineer Michelle Te Wharau.
“Options that are being looked at to create this more forgiving environment include: safer intersection layouts, bridge widening, barriers, road alignment improvement and road widening.’’
In December 2011 the speed limit was reduced from 100km/h to 90km/h for much of the length of the Maramarua Highway. Average daily traffic counts are around 13,000 and soar to 24,000 at peak holiday times.
The key objectives for this Safe System project are to:
The Transport Agency has commissioned two consultancy firms to investigate possible safety improvements for the two sections. “The project teams have recently been gathering feedback from stakeholders and the people who live, work and travel along SH2,” Mrs Te Wharau said.
“Now as options are being developed we are seeking direct feedback from travellers, residents and landowners at the information day.’’
The information day is at the Maramarua Golf Club lounge, from 2pm-6pm on 25 June. Staff from the Transport Agency and consultancy firms BBO and Beca will be present to talk about the project.
Also along the Maramarua Highway, the Transport Agency aims to begin construction of a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of SH2/25 later this year.
Further west, the Kopuku Alignment remains in the investigation stage and the Maramarua Deviation is in design stage. Investigation is nearing completion for the Mangatarata Passing Lanes.
For further information go to www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/maramaruahighway(external link)
For more information please contact:
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T: 04 894 6285
M: 021 276 3222
E: andrew.knackstedt@nzta.govt.nz
The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders - from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.
