Two lanes in peak remain for remainder of Raumati Straights works The NZ Transport Agency is advising that the next stage of the Raumati Straights Upgrade is due to begin early next week. Two lanes will continue to be open during peak hours on State Highway 1 between Mackays Crossing and Raumati for the remainder for the upgrade works.
Transport Agency Wellington highways manager Neil Walker says depending on the weather, work is expected to get underway next week, when crews move to the southbound lanes to complete the road surface works on this side.
'This work was due to start this week but the heavy rain over the weekend has resulted in some minor programme changes. This week night works will be carried out on the northbound lanes instead.'
'Once stage six kicks off, because of the nature of the works we’re doing on these lanes, most of the work can be done off peak and at night. This means we’ll continue to have two lanes open south in the morning peak, and then two north in the evening peak.'
'Like previous stages there’ll be regular changes including various lane closures, speed restrictions, and night works. For everyone’s safety, drivers need to stick to the posted speed limits, and pay close attention to the signs and electronic message boards that’ll describe what’s ahead,' Mr Walker says.
Mr Walker says that while these works are carried out, it’s important for all road users to share the road and be considerate of others.
'We encourage people to drive with others in mind and share the road,' Mr Walker says.
'In this phase of the work, the space for cyclists to travel safely through the Raumati Straights has become tighter so the Te Ara Whareroa pathway through Queen Elizabeth Park provides a safe alternative for cyclists while this essential highway upgrade takes place. Cyclists can access the path at Poplar Avenue,' Mr Walker says.
The upgrade involves rebuilding and reshaping the Raumati Straights, which is the 2km stretch of State Highway 1 between Mackays Crossing and Poplar Avenue, removing bumps and slopes and making it safer and easier to drive on.
Mr Walker says that while road works are disruptive, the upgrade will provide a safer and smoother highway.
'Once completed, people will notice a real change in the quality of this section of road. Not only will it be smoother, but it will provide a safe, seamless, high quality connection between Transmission Gully and the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway.'
The upgrade is part of the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway project, a section of the Wellington Northern Corridor Road of National Significance, which involves building a four lane expressway from Wellington to north of Otaki. It is one of several projects underway to transform Wellington’s transport network.
More information about the project is available online www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/wellington-northern-corridor/mackays-to-peka-peka(external link) including a visual map of the stages of works www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/mackays-to-peka-peka/docs/Raumati-Straights-infographic.pdf(external link)
