A $24 million programme of safety improvements for two sections of State Highway 2 through Hawke’s Bay has begun in an effort to substantially reduce the severity and frequency of crashes on the route.
Works include the installation of median barriers on certain sections as well as wider centre-lines to help prevent head-on crashes. Rumble strips, roadside barriers, and wider sealed shoulders will also be constructed in areas, increasing the room for recovery in an emergency situation.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Regional Transport Systems Manager Wayne Oldfield says preliminary work on both projects started last month, but the real work will get underway this month.
“Our aim is to substantially the number of crashes and to ensure the safeguards are in place to reduce the harm caused by any mistakes a driver may make,” Mr Oldfield says.
“Between 2006 and 2015, 34 people have been killed and 118 people have been seriously injured on these two stretches of SH2 in the Hawke’s Bay.”
“It very pleasing to know this work is now underway as research has shown just how effective these safety measure can be in reducing harm on our roads.”
Contractors Russell Roads Limited is carrying out work on the Pakipaki to Waipukurau section. The contract for the Wairoa to Bay View section went to Quality Roading and Services (QRS), with work on both to be completed mid to late 2019.
Mr Oldfield says the NZ Transport Agency will work closely with contractors to keep any noise and disruption to traffic to a minimum.
“We know this road is an important and busy route for residents, freight movement, and tourists,” Mr Oldfield says.
“Traffic will be monitored and any delays kept to a minimum. However, we advise people to plan ahead and allow a little extra travel time while work is underway.”
Travellers can get up to date traffic and travel information online at: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/
Find out more about these projects:
Pakipaki to Waipukurau: www.nzta.govt.nz/pp2w
Wairoa to Bay View: www.nzta.govt.nz/w2bv
