State Highway 3 between Te Awamutu and Kihikihi is about to be further improved to accommodate the expanding urbanisation of this stretch of highway.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will be removing the southbound passing lane outside the Te Awamutu golf course next week to enable this section of highway to better serve the increased traffic volumes, and the rising number of cyclists and pedestrians.
Waikato State Highway Manager Kaye Clark says the removal of the passing lane is the next step in a gradual upgrade of this part of SH3 to make it easier and safer for all modes of local traffic to access driveways and commute between the two towns.
New lighting and crossing facilities were installed on SH3 between Te Awamutu and Kihikihi last August to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Mrs Clark says, “This passing lane has served its purpose and is no longer in keeping with the semi-urban environment in this area, which has a posted speed limit of 80km/h. Southbound through traffic will still have the opportunity to pass slower moving vehicles at the next passing lane, 6km further south, near Waikeria.”
This work is weather dependant and may be postponed if the weather is wet.
