Motorists travelling on North Canterbury’s State Highway 7 between Waipara and Waikari are advised to expect delays over the coming months as work on a $3.5million safety upgrade continues.
The NZ Transport Agency says stop/go traffic management and 30km/h speed restrictions will be in place along parts of the route from today (Tuesday, 8 January) until mid-March.
Contractors are installing safety barriers to help stop people dying or being seriously injured in a crash, and rumble strips to give drivers a wake-up call if they stray across the centre-line.
New signage to warn drivers of risks such as sharp corners and narrow bridges is being installed, along with road markings that are easier to see at night and in the wet.
New guardrails will also be constructed on three bridges along the route, Weka Creek, Antills and Archers.
Contractors will closely monitor traffic to minimise delays, however people should plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to get through Weka Pass on their way to Hanmer, the West Coast or Picton.
This project is part of the Safe Network Programme - a collaborative, prioritised programme of proven safety improvements on high risk routes across New Zealand.
