Drivers can enjoy safer, easier journeys on State Highway 2 this summer holiday season, with the NZ Transport Agency finishing the first of nine new passing opportunities between Napier and Gisborne.
The first of the nine passing opportunities was officially opened today at Te Ngaru by Napier MP Chris Tremain and the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager for Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Chuck Dowdell.
The passing opportunities are being constructed between now and March 2014 at Kopua Hill and several locations between Lake Tutira and Te Ngaru. The total cost of the design and construction is estimated at around $4 million, which has been provided by the Government.
“We recognise that passing opportunities make a big difference for making people’s journeys easier and safer. It reduces the likelihood of getting stuck behind slower vehicles and subsequently making risky and potentially tragic decisions. What this means is that you are more likely to get to your destination sooner, and in one piece.” said Chuck.
As well as the passing opportunities, the NZ Transport Agency will continue monitoring the impact of heavy traffic on the condition of the road. In addition the National Land Transport Programme has also allocated $9 to $10 million over the next three years to improve the condition of the highway.
The project furthers the Government's Safer Journeys strategy, which is aimed at preventing death and serious injury by creating a safe transport system through a combination of safe roads and roadsides, safe drivers, safe speeds and safe vehicles.
For more travel and traffic information in the Napier and Gisborne area these holidays, see our roadworks map in Hawke’s Bay Today, call 0800 4 Highways or sign up for email alerts at www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link).
