A major upgrade to replace the old electrical cables which power the traffic signals at the State Highway 1 Cobham Drive intersection with Evans Bay Parade in Wellington is set to get under way next week.
The upgrade is expected to take about six weeks to complete, and is scheduled to start on Monday 29 May 2017, weather permitting.
“The underground cables at the intersection have reached a point where it is essential to replace them,” says Regional Performance Manager Mark Owen. “New ducts are also required to contain and protect the new cables which means the road surface has to be dug up to install them.”
A new traffic signal pole with overhead lights is also being installed on the northeast corner. Careful timing and traffic management is planned so that the busy intersection serving city suburbs, Wellington International Airport and a major state highway can continue to operate as smoothly as possible. On average, 36,000 vehicles each day pass through on the state highway route alone.
Mr Owen says work on the road will be carried out at night when traffic volumes are lower in order to minimise disruptions. Work on the pedestrian islands will take place during the day.
“The road will be clear during daylight and early evenings, as the road surface and traffic signals will be reinstated after each night shift,” Mr Owen says.
In order to ensure the safety of workers, Mr Owen says speed restrictions and lane closures will be in place overnight from Sundays to Thursdays between 7pm and 5:30am, with traffic controls set up in advance of roadworks starting.
Mr Owen says work on the pedestrian islands will be carried out from 9am-3pm Mondays to Fridays, in order to avoid the busiest hours before and after school and work.
“This is a very busy intersection, especially during the day which is why we have to do the bulk of the work at night,” says Mr Owen. “We appreciate that for people who live nearby the work will at times be disruptive but we will do our best to complete the noisiest work before 11pm.”
Information about the project and its progress can be found on the NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz/wellington-maintenance(external link)
