The NZ Transport Agency will begin work to upgrade and improve safety on State Highway 1 at the Mackays Crossing rail overbridge this Sunday.
Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says the work will include improvements to the layout of the road, resurfacing, upgrading drainage, installation of safety barriers, and a repositioning of the southbound merge lane near Raumati.
“The purpose of upgrading Mackays Crossing is to ensure it remains safe, is fit for purpose and meets the current and future demands of our customers,” Mr Owen says.
“We are rehabilitating the pavement on Mackays Crossing rail overbridge, which involves constructing asphaltic concrete layers to strengthen the road.
“It’s important that this work is carried out now, ahead of the next phase of Transmission Gully in order to prevent further impacts on customers in the longer term.”
The work could take up to eight weeks and is weather dependant. Temporary traffic management measures including a ‘contraflow’ will be in place.
“A contraflow is where traffic travelling in both directions uses one side of the road, while the other side is being worked on. It means we can keep traffic moving in both directions in that area, but a temporary speed restriction of 80km/h will need to be in place,” Mr Owen says.
“Cyclists will also be catered for. A temporary southbound cycle lane will lead cyclists to the off and on ramps to bypass the worksite. Northbound cyclists will use ramps to get back onto the highway north.”
“Our crews will be working hard to minimise disruption in the area and will aim to have the work finished as quickly as possible. We want to thank road users and local residents for their patience while we complete this important work.”
