When will construction begin?
Construction on the safety improvements began September 2020.
When will the work be completed?
All going to plan the safety improvements and roundabout upgrade will be finished late 2021.
The project received $14 million in funding from the regional package of the NZ Upgrade Programme and $1 million from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Safe Network Programme.
How will I know if my land is affected by the works?
The property owners who will be affected by the improvements have been contacted.
Why are you making these safety improvements?
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Safe Network Programme is delivering proven safety interventions on our highest risk intersections and corridors across New Zealand. Aligned to New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy, Road to Zero 2020–2030, the Safe Network Programme aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. The Safe Network Programme focuses on safe roads and roadsides, safe and appropriate speeds, and safe level crossings.
SH5, between Tārukenga (near Lake View Golf Course) and Ngongotahā was identified as a high-risk rural road which can be made safer.
This road is also an important tourism route, forming part of the Thermal Explorer Highway linking Rotorua with the Hawkes Bay, Lake Taupo, Ruapehu and Hamilton.
Upgrading the roundabout will help ease congestion, providing a safer and more efficient intersection.
How many deaths and injuries have occurred on this stretch of road?
Between 2010 and 2019, two people lost their lives and seven people were seriously injured in crashes on this stretch of road. Most of these crashes were caused by vehicles running off the road or head-on collisions. These changes will save lives.
Are you reviewing speed through Ngongotahā village as part of these safety improvements?
As part of Waka Kotahi’s Safe Network Programme, we are currently identifying roads where safer speed limits could make a big difference in preventing deaths and serious injuries, and where communities are calling for change.
Setting new speed limits is a legal process, and Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs) are responsible for setting new speed limits and are guided by the Speed Management Guide, which is a national framework that helps RCAs make informed, accurate and consistent speed management decisions in their communities. RCAs also need to adhere to the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the road controlling authorities (RCAs) for reviewing and setting speed limits.
Speed Management Guide [PDF, 7.4 MB]
There are a number of important safety projects around the country, and we need to prioritise the timing of our projects so we can make the biggest difference in reducing deaths and serious injuries.
Within the next 12 months, Waka Kotahi will look to consider speed management along SH36 between Tauriko and Ngongotahā. As part of this we will work closely with local government, our road safety partners and the community as local knowledge is vital to our speed review process.
Will there be provisions made for cyclists at the roundabout?
We have made provision for cyclists to navigate the intersection in the design, however the upgrade of the existing eastern shared cycle path is out of scope for this project.
Will there be a new right turn bay included for Dansey Road?
We are constructing a right turn bay at the Dansey Road intersection to improve visibility and safety. As part of those works, we are widening the road, reinstating light poles, sealing the road and installing barriers.
Why are you reducing the length of the SH5 passing lane?
Reducing the length of the passing lane has been identified as a priority. The passing lane merge is too close to the Dalbeth and Maraeroa Road intersections and it’s on the crest of the hill at the Tarukenga rail bridge. Fortunately, there is no crash history at the current merge area but making improvements to it, and improving visibility to comply with design standards, was supported by the Police, AA and Heavy Haulage Associations. We understand this will reduce the length of the passing lane but we are installing a new 600m acceleration (slip) lane at the roundabout, which will provide an opportunity to pass slower vehicles.
Pulling off the road when there is a barrier
Will drivers still be able to pull over?
While we don’t encourage people to pull over on a state highway there’ll still be gaps in the barrier, especially around driveways or if you do need to pull over in an emergency.
Overall, the sealed road shoulder will be wider than it was before, so you’ll have more space to recover if you make a mistake or need to pull over in an emergency.
Where can I pull over if there’s a barrier on the road?
Cars will usually be able to pull onto the shoulder beside the safety barrier. Road safety barriers may prevent some wide vehicles from pulling off completely so there are regular gaps in the barriers, usually every 400-500m where possible, as well as at intersections and driveways.
Vehicles wanting to pass slower traffic will need to wait until the slower vehicle can pull over into a gap in the side barrier or overtake by going across the centreline when it’s safe to do so and the opposing lane is clear. While this may require some patience and understanding, it makes the road safer for everyone.
With barriers, the road space is clearly defined so agricultural vehicles won’t be weaving on and off the shoulder.
Barriers and agricultural vehicles
Will agricultural vehicles still be able to use the road?
The widened road shoulder and the widened centreline will mean there’s room for agricultural vehicles. We’ll also be leaving some gaps in the barrier, at driveway entrances and intersections, which people driving large or wide vehicles can use to pull off the road completely.
Do road safety barriers prevent large agricultural vehicles from pulling over?
When wide agricultural vehicles need to make a right-hand turn, they can still pull off to the left side of the road and turn right when it is safe to do so.
How will people pass wide slow-moving agricultural vehicles when side and barriers are installed?
For most of the route the wide shoulder will provide enough room for most agricultural and large vehicles to pull over.
Barriers and buses
Where will buses stop once barriers are installed?
There will be gaps left in side barriers where buses usually stop. Local buses will also be able to pull over safely at driveways to allow passengers on and off the bus.
Flexible road safety barriers:
