Work on extensive safety improvements on State Highway 1 on the Brynderwyn Hill south of Whangarei is about to ramp up again for the summer construction season.
The $18m NZ Transport Agency project on the north side of the Brynderwyns is entering its second year to improve safety for road users on this stretch of the state highway.
It includes widening the current road, removing tight corners and installing a wire rope barrier to separate north and south bound traffic.
From the 27th of October contractors will begin widening the east side of the highway at the top of the hill which will mean significant earthmoving work.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Northland Highways Manager, Brett Gliddon says the safety improvements will help straighten out some of the curves, reduce the risk of crashes and minimise the impacts of vehicles crossing the centre line.
“There will be some disruption for drivers while we carry out this work, but it’s designed to make this stretch of the state highway safer for all road users.”
“It will also build greater resilience on the network by reducing the number of traffic delays which result from crashes, all part of our continued investment in Northland’s highways.”
“We made good progress through last summer and the southbound passing lane, near the bottom of the hill will now be opened to traffic again.”
The passing lane in the same direction at the top of the hill will be closed while work is completed on this section. The passing lane is likely to remain closed until late February.
There will be speed restrictions to keep motorists and those working in the area safe.
The project is expected to be completed by early 2017.
The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks people for their patience during the work.
For more information about the Brynderwyn Hills safety improvements visit our website: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-brynderwyn-hills/(external link)
For the latest highway information go to www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) or sign up to www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link) for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel; Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.
