The next step in a project to keep drivers better informed about State Highway conditions in Wellington is about to get underway.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South, says it is about improving how State Highway 1 and 59 are monitored and managed between Tawa and Porirua.
“We are now at the stage where we will be installing new speed management and traffic monitoring equipment. It will see a new overhead gantry installed. It will hold new electronic signs that provide road users real-time highway information.”
“Having these signs on the highways means we can quickly update drivers about what’s happening on their route. This can include crashes, congestion, and planned roadworks. It ensures drivers know exactly what is happening,” Mr Owen says.
Because the new gantry is a large piece of infrastructure, a full southbound lane closure is needed. It means State Highway 59 (between Mungavin Ave Interchange and Tawa) and State Highway 1 (between the Kenepuru Interchange and Tawa) will be closed on Monday, 13 November and Tuesday, 14 November, from 9pm to 5:30am.
Mark Owen says Waka Kotahi appreciates a full highway closure is a big deal and does create disruption.
“The benefit of this new technology far outweighs the inconvenience of a brief closure. In the long-term, this new infrastructure will make travel better for road users.”
“However, we want to minimise the impact as much as possible. So, our contractors will work at night when traffic volumes are much lighter. A full closure also allows the work to be completed much faster and is safer for contractors and road users,” Mr Owen says.
