Work to improve the safety of SH29 at Tauriko will start Sunday (12 May 2013) evening on SH29 at Tauriko, says the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
Over the next few days road workers will remove the passing lane from Redwoods Lane to Gargan Road, install a right turn bay at the Gargan Road intersection and apply skid resistance surface to improve safety at this SH29 location, which has been the site of several serious crashes.
Brett Gliddon, NZTA’s Bay of Plenty state highways manager says the passing lane that starts from past Redwood Lane to Gargan Road will be removed to reduce the risk of further serious crashes at this location, and in particular those involving vehicles turning right into Gargan Road.
Mr Gliddon said the changes were part of the NZTA’s ‘safe system’ approach to reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
“We’re aiming to reduce deaths and serious injuries by taking action in four key areas - safer roads and roadsides, safe vehicles, safe road use and safe speeds.
“The NZTA is making significant investments in safety improvements on the region’s roads, we are working with police to promote safe driving through advertising and enforcement and we are encouraging motorists to buy the safest vehicles they can afford.”
By removing the passing lane Mr Gliddon says the shoulder can be widened to allow more room for cyclists and more room between opposing traffic. A temporary speed restriction will be in place during the works which may cause minor delays; this work is expected to be completed by mid next week.
Drivers can now subscribe to On The Move which is a free service providing information about road closures, road works and driving conditions on their frequently used routes - to sign up, go to www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link)
