We are delivering a wide range of safety improvements on SH3 between New Plymouth and Hāwera, including flexible median barriers, wide centrelines and a roundabout.
In 2018 NZ Transport Agency developed a plan for safety improvements on SH3 between New Plymouth and Hāwera. The 9.75km stretch between New Plymouth to Egmont Village was then prioritised due to its high safety risk, with 77 crashes being reported between 2016 and 2020.
To date we have installed flexible median barriers and wide centrelines at various locations along the corridor. Moving forward we will be constructing a roundabout at the SH3 intersection with Mangorei Road, and installing wide centrelines near the Mangorei and Junction St intersections.
CloseDesign is underway for a possible future roundabout at Egmont Village, and wide centreline at locations between Egmont Village and Eltham. These improvements are not currently funded for implementation.
CloseWide centrelines are two lines marked in the centre of the road that keep opposing traffic further apart than standard centreline markings.
Widening the centreline means more space between you and oncoming vehicles. It’s a simple and effective way to visually create more space between vehicles and can help prevent a potential crash if someone makes a mistake.
They’re typically used on rural roads and are often used to prepare for the potential future installation of a median barrier, where there are changes in traffic growth or crash risk.
CloseFlexible road safety barriers save lives and reduce the number of people seriously injured. They give you a second chance, so a simple mistake doesn’t cost a life.
When they’re installed on the side or in the centre of the road, they can reduce the number of people killed.
When you hit a flexible barrier, the steel cables flex, slowing your vehicle and keeping it upright. They absorb the impact and help protect you and your passengers.
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Timings |
Key milestones |
Status |
|
2018 |
New Plymouth to Hāwera SH3 safety improvements first considered |
Completed |
|
Early 2021 |
Feasibility study for safety improvements - New Plymouth to Egmont Village |
Completed |
|
Mid 2021 |
Safety improvements investigations and speaking with those that could be directly affected - New Plymouth to Egmont Village |
Completed |
|
Late 2021 |
Community consultation on proposed improvements - New Plymouth to Egmont Village |
Completed |
|
Late February 2023 |
Public consultation starts on the possible installation of an intersection speed zone |
Completed |
|
September 2023 |
Start of works at Junction Street SH3 intersection, New Plymouth |
Completed |
|
February 2024 |
Start of median barrier installation at sites between Inglewood and Hāwera |
Completed |
|
Spring 2024 |
Start construction of Mangorei Road roundabout Junction St intersection improvements, and associated works. |
We’ve updated our work locations map for October 2024 to show all the safety improvements we’ve completed to date, and what’s coming next.
Work locations during 2024 – October 2024 [PDF, 992 KB]
CloseWe’ve updated our work locations map for September 2024 to show all the safety improvements we’ve completed to date, and what’s coming next.
Work locations during 2024 – September 2024 [PDF, 983 KB]
CloseWe’ve updated our work locations map for June 2024 to show all the safety improvements we’ve completed to date, and what’s coming next.
Work locations during 2024 – June 2024 [PDF, 993 KB]
CloseWe are underway with physical works and have a busy programme of safety improvements lined up for 2024 - as shown in our latest works map.
Work locations during 2024 – March 2024 [PDF, 509 KB]
Please also read our latest newsletter, in the ‘Project updates section above.
CloseConstruction is underway, please read our latest media release and newsletter (located in the 'Project updates' section above), for more information.
CloseWe are about to begin safety improvement works on State Highway 3 near New Plymouth, as part of the New Plymouth to Hāwera Safety Improvements project.
Over the last few years, we have consulted on safety improvements between New Plymouth and Egmont Village including the proposed intersection speed zone at Junction Street, New Plymouth.
We have heard clearly from the community that intersection safety is important, with Junction Street and Mangorei Road regarded as high priorities.
In September, we will start upgrades at the SH3 intersection with Junction Street, just south of New Plymouth.
This work comprises:
These measures will reduce the risk and severity of crashes and make it safer for people to pull out of or into Junction Street across a high-speed rural road.
In response to community feedback, drivers will still be able to make right turns out of Junction Street, reducing the likelihood of adding to congestion on the local network.
Installation of flexible median barriers at sites between Inglewood and Hāwera is scheduled to begin in early 2024.
Also in early 2024 we plan to start work on installing a roundabout at the Mangorei Road intersection.
The entire New Plymouth to Hāwera project will improve safety over more than 65km of Taranaki highway, through the installation of flexible median barriers and turnaround facilities on SH3 and widening of the centreline on SH3A. All works are subject to property negotiations and consenting.
The Publications tab showcases our latest posters:
Publications page(external link)
CloseConsultation on the proposed Intersection Speed Zone at the SH3 intersection with Junction Street ended on Sunday 2 April 2023. Thanks to everyone who provided their feedback. Please watch this page or subscribe to our newsletter for further updates.
CloseWe are moving forward with safety improvement plans for State Highway 3 between New Plymouth and Egmont Village and aim to start physical works in the first half of 2023.
During engagement with key stakeholders and the wider community on our proposals for this 9.75km corridor, we heard clearly that intersection safety is a priority, so we’ve decided to address the intersections at Junction Street and Mangorei Road first.
As a part of Stage One priority works, public consultation is being held on a proposal for an intersection speed zone to reduce speeds at the SH3 intersection with Junction Street.
If confirmed following public consultation, the Intersection Speed Zone would detect drivers approaching the highway from Junction St or turning right into Junction St from the highway, and reduce the speed limit temporarily on SH3 to improve safety for all road users.
When operating, the zone’s two digital signs – located approximately 150m north and south of the Junction St intersection – would display an enforceable speed limit of 60kmh.
These measures would temporarily slow traffic, making it easier and safer for people to pull out of or into Junction St across a high-speed rural road. This would help take the pressure off and protect people by reducing the risk and severity of crashes.
The current 100kmh speed limit would continue to apply at all other times.
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