It’s not so much the light at the end of the tunnel, rather it is new lights that are about to be installed in a vital part of Wellington’s motorway network.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says The Terrace Tunnel on State Highway 1 will get a lighting upgrade this month.
“Work crews will install new LED lights in the tunnel during two weeks of night closures planned for the end of the month.”
“The existing lights are nearing the end of their working life. Replacing them with new LEDs means, not only will they be more reliable, but they’ll also use less power, which is better for the environment,” Ms Hilliard says.
The installation will be done alongside regular maintenance work and will require night closures. They will be on Sunday to Thursday nights, 9 pm to 4:30 am, from 19 to 30 May. Alternative dates are planned for June if bad weather delays the project.
Ms Hilliard says it is a longer period of night closures for the tunnel than is normally the case.
“Installing these lights is important work and will help future-proof the tunnel and improve its resilience and reliability. It is crucial the tunnel has good lighting.”
Ms Hilliard says over 1,100 lights will be replaced, with the work done progressively so that the tunnel remains well-lit during the day.
She says work crews will also make the most of the closures to carry out other important work.
“This includes upgrading electronic signs at the tunnel’s southern end. The more work we do during this closure, the less we have to do later,” Ms Hilliard says.
The closure will require drivers to use alternative routes to access and leave the CBD. This will mean extra travel time, and drivers should plan their trips accordingly.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance want to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while this essential state highway maintenance work is underway.
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