Road users on State Highway 35 will get up-to-the-minute traffic information on potential hazards and road closures following the installation of a new variable messaging sign (VMS).
Tairāwhiti Roads Journey Manager Helen Harris says the VMS has been strategically positioned in an area that will allow road users time and space to react to the messaging.
“The previous static sign at Turihaua wasn’t in a good place to allow vehicles to turn around in the event of a road closure,” Ms Harris says.
“The placement at Okitu now allows vehicles to turn off the state highway on to Wairere Road and make another choice on their journey.”
The four-line VMS will be remotely controlled by Wellington Transport Operations Centre from information received via local staff and NZ Transport Agency contractors.
Previously, there was a time delay for traffic information as a contractor had to travel to the static board and change the sign manually.
“The VMS is now operational and I’m pleased to have it ready before winter, which is great news for Tairāwhiti Roads and all of our road users,” Ms Harris says.
