Work is about to resume upgrading the lights in the Terrace Tunnel on State Highway 1 in Wellington.
It’s a continuation of a project begun in May that will see 1,100 new LED lights installed in the tunnel – replacing older high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps.
The Terrace Tunnel will be closed to all traffic for another two weeks this month - Sunday to Thursday nights, 9 pm to 4:30 am, from 16 to 20 June and Sunday to Wednesday nights, 9 pm to 4:30 am, 23 to 26 June.
The new LED lights will help future-proof the tunnel and improve its resilience and reliability. Because they are LEDs, they are brighter, cheaper, more power efficient, and last longer than the old HPS lamps and fluorescent lights.
The lights will be replaced progressively, with old lights switched out for new ones. Until all the lights are replaced, the tunnel will be reduced to 50 km/h during the day.
The closure will require drivers to use alternative routes to access and leave the CBD. This will mean extra travel time, and drivers should plan their trips accordingly.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this essential state highway maintenance work.