A safety project to install a new median barrier at the Maungatapu bridge will begin next Tuesday (4 March) says the NZ Transport Agency. The work will take approximately two months to complete.
Transport Agency Highways Manager, Brett Gliddon says “this project forms part of a suite of safety projects that we are undertaking along sections of State Highway 29 from the Maungatapu bridge to the summit of the Kaimai Ranges. The changes are designed to improve safety along this stretch of highway and to make it a more forgiving environment for drivers.”
The work forms part of the Government’s Safer Journeys strategy and uses the Safe System approach which aims to reduce death and serious injury on high risk sections of the highway by improving the roads and roadsides.
The 1.3km flexible median barrier will be installed between the bridge and the existing concrete barrier on the Te Maunga side of the bridge. Associated works will include passing lane length reduction, pavement widening, earthworks, service relocations, traffic signs and markings.
The median barrier work is being carried out by Waiotahi Contractors Limited and will cost approximately $0.9 million.
Most of the work will be undertaken along the shoulder of the road with two lanes open at all times to minimise disruption to motorists. Some delays are possible as this is a busy section of highway and the Transport Agency would like to apologise to motorists for any inconvenience in advance and thanks them for their patience while this important safety work is being undertaken.
For up-to-date state highway travel information visit www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or phone the Transport Agency's 0800 4 HIGHWAYS information line to get the latest updates or to report incidents or hazards on the state highways. Alternatively you can sign-up via www.onthemove.govt.nz to receive free email alerts designed to inform you before you start your journey about notable incidents, road conditions or roadworks on the state highway network.
For more information please contact:
Glenda Dobbyn
Media Manager
Waikato and Bay of Plenty region
NZ Transport Agency
T: 07 928 7908
M: 021 021 67217
E: glenda.dobbyn@nzta.govt.nz
