Why is the plan changing again?
Since we last consulted with the community in late 2023, the project has been rescoped to align with government priorities. The information we received during both rounds of consultation have helped inform the rescope. There could still be more changes to come.
Draft Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024-34(external link)
SH1 Timaru to St Andrews Safety Improvements engagement summary – September 2023 [PDF, 2.4 MB]
Why is the roundabout no longer part of the plan?
A roundabout was included in the initial proposal as a requirement for safe access and turning on a median barrier separated highway. The safety gains – or reduced numbers of deaths and serious injuries (DSI) – from having median barrier could justify a significant investment of around $4m at this intersection. Now that median barrier is no longer included in the plan, the associated infrastructure to be built must be scaled back accordingly.
What’s happening with the speed limit?
A priority is ensuring people can get to where they’re going quickly and safely and getting that balance right. That also means changes to the speed limit is in the mix. As the Road Controlling Authority (RCA) for state highways, NZTA must adhere to the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits which sets out the requirements of RCAs for reviewing and setting speed limits. A new Setting of Speed Limits Rule is expected to be signed off by the Minister of Transport by the end of the year.
