The NZ Transport Agency Board has confirmed that further median barrier work will no longer proceed on the remaining two sections of State Highway 2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa, following a review of the scope of the safety improvements project in this area, NZTA Chief Executive Nicole Rosie says.
“The NZTA Board has decided the best way forward for the safety improvement project is to complete the two further roundabouts and wide centrelines, maintaining all right-turning movements on remaining intersections along the corridor, but not to continue with the remainder of the median barrier installation.
“The Board recommended the speed limit on this section of SH2 to remain 80km/h. All other improvements will remain.
“This decision addresses the concerns we have heard about local travel impacts and turning access and recognises the unique circumstances of this section of SH2- specifically that local roads connect to the state highway with no alternate routes and significant distances before turning opportunities,” Ms Rosie says.
15,000 vehicles travel this section of state highway every day, and this will continue to grow. A large proportion of the daily traffic movements is associated with the many local businesses in the area and local residents going about their daily lives.
“The many competing demands on this section of state highway need to be balanced to ensure this critical corridor remains safe and efficient,” Ms Rosie says.
NZTA estimates that when completed the project will deliver a 44 percent reduction in deaths and serious injuries.
The Board’s decision reflects priorities in the Government Policy Statement for land transport 2024 (GPS) which is to support economic growth, through efficient investment in our land transport system to quickly and safely connect people and freight.
Now that the Board has made its decision, NZTA will work through the detail, including cost and timeframes of what this means for the project and when these changes can be implemented.
“We are aware there are a range of views in the community about this issue and that not everyone will be satisfied with the Board’s decision, but we ask everyone to show respect for our front-line team as they complete this project,” Ms Rosie says.
The Board has determined this approach appropriately balances travel impacts for local journeys and safety for all road users.
