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Finish line in sight for Taneatua SH2 safety project
Finish line in sight for Taneatua SH2 safety project Motorists on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Taneatua will
have a safer road to travel on as soon as July, with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) confirming the new, realigned road will be completed that month.
The realignment project will provide a straighter, wider and safer road by removing the Taneatua Rail Overbridge, upgrading the existing detour around the over bridge (which has been in use since the over bridge closed in 2011) and widening the SH2/Taneatua Road intersection to improve sight distances at the intersection.
NZTA Bay of Plenty State Highway Manager Brett Gliddon, says that good weather will help workers complete the remaining earthworks, seal the new intersection and section of state highway, and finish the work by tying it in with the existing local road.
Mr Gliddon says creating a safer road has been a key focus of the project and progress has been excellent since construction started in November last year.
“The crew working on site are doing a great job and all is running to plan thanks to a great team and good weather. They’ve successfully removed the 85 year old rail over-bridge, installed a 2.4 metre culvert, sealed parts of the new road, and started shaping the new intersection and newly realigned state highway”.
State Highway 2 is an important local connector and regional freight route and this project is vital for maintaining security of this route and for the safety of travellers using it. Safety will be improved on the intersection by removing the curves, adding road width and increasing sight distances.
“We want to thank motorists and the local community for their patience during construction. The finish line is in sight, and all going to plan, the new road will be open in July”.
Gorge now open after truck crash
State Highway 2 at Athenree Gorge is now open after the truck which rolled down the bank at the Athenree
The detours that were in place have been removed and both lanes are open. The NZTA wants to thank motorists for their patience while the recovery operation was undertaken.
Truck crash closes gorge
State Highway 2 at Athenree Gorge will be closed for 6 hours to allow a truck to be recovered from a bank,
Detours are in place from Auckland drivers should use State Highway 27 and State Highway 29 to Tauranga. For local traffic heading north or south a detour is in place along State Highway 2 via Athenree, Emerton, Seaforth and Waihi Beach Roads (reverse for southbound traffic).
NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Brett Gliddon, says the temporary closure is expected to be removed by 3.00pm . "In the meantime there is a well-signed detour in place."
"We will be working to have access restored through this section of SH2 as quickly as we can. We'd like to ask that motorists be patient during this time and plan their journeys around this situation to allow for short delays."
- Improved travel time and journey reliability.
- More efficient connections.
- Easing congestion by separating state highway and local traffic.
- Improved safety by reducing conflicting travel movements at intersections.
- Best long-term solution to meet the needs of the Rotorua Eastern corridor and wider region.
- Enable lake water quality improvements to proceed.
Preferred route for Rotorua Eastern Arterial
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced that the preferred route for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial (REA) is a route between Te Ngae Road and the Lake edge on land designated for this purpose since 1963.
At a Rotorua District Council meeting on Tuesday [2 April] this week and a meeting with local iwi representatives the agency’s regional director Harry Wilson said the investigation into options to improve the city’s eastern corridor and help to plan its future, identified this route - with some adjustments to the designation - as the best performing option in terms of supporting the city’s economic growth objectives and managing congestion through the busy corridor.
Mr Wilson said the preferred option was chosen because it will deliver the best outcomes and benefits including:
The route chosen is the most economic option and takes into consideration safety, efficiency and wider economic benefits with the least impact on directly affected land owners and businesses.
Mr Wilson said the next step for the project is to confirm the extent of land required and to prepare a Notice of Requirement (NoR) for alteration to the existing designation which has been confirmed in the City Plan since 1963. The NoR will be lodged with Rotorua District Council and if confirmed will be included in the District Plan.
“Once the NoR is lodged with the Council, it will be publicly notified and a public hearing may be held. Any party may make submissions in support or opposing, and request to be ‘heard’ at the Council Hearing. This is a very important part of the process.”
He says as a key part of preparation of the NoR, NZTA needs to complete the consultation process with key stakeholders, affected land owners and iwi.
The Council would then make a recommendation, with or without conditions, and if NZTA is happy with the recommendation, they would accept it and the Council would then notify submitters and directly affected landowners of the outcome. If there are no appeals to the decision, the changes to the existing designation would be included in the District Plan.
Mr Wilson says no date has been set for construction of the new highway as this is dependent on future demand. However, the agency in conjunction with the local council will proceed with planning for this road now to ensure it is ready to go when demand requires.
- If you drink - DON'T DRIVE.
- When it comes to drink driving or using drugs and driving, forget the limit: just don't do it!
- Remember there is now a zero alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 20.
- If your nominated sober driver drinks alcohol make alternative transport arrangements. Never get into a vehicle when you know the driver has been drinking. Remember your life is quite literally in their hands.
- Keep your speed down. Don't forget the reduced speed tolerance.
- Drive to the conditions
- Ensure you and all of your passengers are properly restrained.
- If you're driving put your phone down. No phone call is that important.
- Don't drive tired. Get plenty of rest.
- Make every journey a safer journey!
Arrive safe this Easter - Bop Police
A continuation of the long hot summer is expected to attract large numbers to the Bay of Plenty this Easter Weekend and road safety is a top priority for police in the District.
Last year was the first time since records began 57 years ago that no-one died on New Zealand Roads, a moment in history Police would like to see repeated.
The rivers, lakes, beaches and other outdoor havens across the Bay of Plenty provide the perfect Easter playground. In addition Taupo has a major Hot Rod event which is expected to draw a significant crowd.
Bay of Plenty District Road Policing Manager Inspector Kevin Taylor said: "The Bay of Plenty is not only a great place to visit it is a thoroughfare for holidaymakers travelling across the North Island. As well as normal holiday traffic flows we are expecting significant numbers of motorbikes and specialist vehicles, particularly around the State Highways 1 & 5 in the Central Plateau area. All Bay of Plenty Road Policing staff will be out on the road network this Easter weekend as part of the national 'Operation Crossroads'.
"Patience is a virtue all drivers are strongly encouraged to embrace this weekend. The few seconds you save by driving too fast or overtaking in the wrong place could cost you and your family more than just time. If you encounter large numbers of vehicles travelling together, exercise that virtue and enjoy the drive."
The official holiday period begins at 4pm on Thursday (28 March) and ends at 6am on Tuesday April 2.
There will be a particular focus on drink/drug driving, speed, fatigue, distractions and seatbelts.
"Our focus will be to get you to your destination safely, making sure you are spared from the trauma and heartbreak caused by road fatalities. We need every motorist on the road this Easter to do their bit to make sure this happens," said Inspector Taylor.
To stay safe this Easter:
Night time works on Lake Rd
Works on widening Lake Road to four lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion are progressing well.
Current work involves sealing the pavement between the roundabout and Ranolf St. Final footpath sections are also being constructed between Ranolf St and the Utuhina Bridge, drainage work between the roundabout and Koutu corner, water connections at Koutu corner to the mains system are being completed, and streetlights are being connected between Utuhina Bridge and Ranolf St.
Over the next month pavement work between the Roundabout and Koutu corner will take place, as well as further retaining wall work, and further footpath, kerbing and berm reinstatement where required.
Pedestrian access is located on the Southern side of Lake Rd over the majority of the site. Motorists are asked to continue to follow signs and take caution throughout the construction site.
The completed sections of road will remain restricted to one lane in each direction. A T-intersection is operating at the Ranolf St/Lake Rd corner.
Changes to through traffic from Clayton Road have occurred temporarily to accommodate Lake Road works.
Work is scheduled to be completed on the project in April. Some finishing works will extend into May.
Speed a factor in Desert Rd fatal
A 29-year-old man is dead after a vehicle crash last night on the Waikato Stream Bridge, just north of the summit, Waiouru.
Taihape Police responded to the crash which happened just before 10pm.
A north bound Toyota vehicle crossed the centreline and collided with a south bound Mitsubishi vehicle.
Police believe there were no other passengers in the vehicles involved in the crash.
Initial indications suggest that speed is a factor in the crash.
Police will not release the name or any other details about the man until next of kin has been informed.
Construction starts on Rangiriri Expressway
Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse today turned the first sod to begin construction on the 4.8km Rangiriri section of the Waikato Expressway.
"This is a project that will improve safety and travel times for motorists between the Waikato, Auckland and Bay of Plenty, while helping preserve the cultural heritage of the area," Mr Woodhouse says.
The project will see the restoration of the historic Rangiriri Pa site and battle trench, site of the pivotal 1863 battle of Rangiriri. It will also recognise Paetai, the site associated with the crowning of the first Maori King.
"The Waikato is strategically placed within the economic ‘golden triangle’ of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, and the completed Expressway will improve transport connections between these key cities."
"Easing traffic congestion is essential to unlocking New Zealand’s economic potential. The investment we’re making here is one which will deliver positive returns to all New Zealanders, now and for generations to come."
He says the Government with the help of the NZTA is aiming to have the entire Expressway completed by 2019.
"This is another example of the Government's focus on ensuring New Zealand has the infrastructure it needs for a strong and growing economy, now and in the future," says Mr Woodhouse.
Plan and think safe this long weekend
Road maintenance activity which increases over the summer months to take advantage of good weather is still underway in some parts of the regions which may see speed limit changes and minor diversions in place on some state highways.
NZTA state highway manager, Kaye Clark (Waikato) and acting state highway manager Nigel D’Ath (Bay of Plenty) say they are keen to ensure the safety of all road users driving through their regions.
"Our regional highways are traditionally very busy during Auckland Anniversary Weekend as people take advantage of the last long weekend before children return to school. Our region has a lot of holiday hot spots so we see an increased amount of traffic on our roads at this time of year.”
Mrs Clark and Mr D’Ath would like to ask that people be patient when driving throughout the region and to allow for possible delays when planning their trip.
Mrs Clark says, "The important thing is to reach your destination safely. Even if it takes a little longer to get there, please be patient, keep your speeds down and take regular breaks on long journeys."
"We want to see everyone to have a safe journey this long weekend," she said.
The NZTA’s website is regularly updated with information about most closures and detours atwww.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.
This information is also available by phoning the NZTA’s free phone on 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49), which can also be used to report any significant road issues or hazards which people may come across during their travels.
Eastern Link center opens to public tomorrow
NZTA Bay of Plenty acting state highway manager Nigel D’Ath says the NZTA, with contractors the Fulton Hogan HEB Construction Alliance, are inviting the public to the first weekend opening of the TEL Information Centre - known as the TEL Summer Series this Saturday (19 January).
The weekend openings are being held following high public interest in the project and requests from those who work during the week to be able to visit the centre on the weekends.
Mr D’Ath says the TEL Summer Series is an opportunity for members of the public to visit the centre one Saturday a month to check out progress on the largest roading construction project in the Bay of Plenty.
“We are heading towards the half way point of the construction process and a significant amount of work has been undertaken since it started in 2010, this is a good opportunity for the public to come in and view the progress for themselves particularly as most of it is not visible from the existing state highway.”
The information centre, located at 65 Tara Road, Papamoa, will be open from 10.00am to 1.00pm Saturday 19 January, Saturday 16 February and Saturday 16 March.
"We hope people will take the opportunity to visit the TEL’s information centre when it opens one Saturday in January through to March. There is quite a bit to see, those that have already visited the centre are always surprised and amazed by how much progress has been made and are able to relate it to the construction activity they can see when driving through the area.”
Bay crash hotspot identified
Trauma is a major health burden in New Zealand, as it is around the world. Approximately 2,500 New Zealanders die per year as a result of trauma and approximately 25,000 require hospital care for their injuries. Trauma is the leading cause of death between the ages of 5 to 45.
A major cause of trauma injuries in the BOP community is from road crashes. Although the number and rate of road deaths have decreased internationally, they remain a major public health burden.
As part of a Ministry of Health supported initiative, the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, in conjunction with other agencies and other District Health Boards, has established a trauma review team. The team is tasked with assessing the effectiveness of our trauma systems in saving and salvaging lives and in improving this system.
One of the questions being looked at, by the trauma review team, is where and when road traffic injuries occur and can we do anything about preventing these. The Road Safety Committee with representation from police, St Johns, and the council also monitor this. The New Zealand Transport Agency also use a Crash Analysis System (CAS) to log all reported road crashes throughout the country and monitor problem areas.
The trauma team at the Bay of Plenty District Health Board has identified the contributing factors of 64 separate road crashes that happened in the region over an 11 month period (1 January 2012 to 30 November 2012) that resulted in a hospital stay in excess of 24 hours for the driver or passengers.
"We found that driver error remained a significant cause of most crashes from which people were admitted to hospital, while roading and weather conditions accounted for a very small percentage of the crashes," said Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s Chief Operating Officer, Phillip Balmer.
Mr Balmer said road crashes involving drivers that were under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances were excluded from the review and if included would have trebled our figures. It also excluded crashes which resulted in hospital admissions of less than 24 hours duration.
"Our findings showed that driver error combined with excessive speed on open roads were the most common factors contributing towards Bay of Plenty road crashes. Drivers’ errors included the driver falling asleep at the wheel, excessive speed, inexperience, crossing the centre line, swerving to avoid objects and pulling out in traffic."
"While the crashes happened relatively evenly throughout the Bay of Plenty region, they were mainly on the major state highways."
"The review identified the regions’ crash hot spot at the intersection of State Highways 2 and 33 at Paengaroa. Of the five crashes at this site, four were head on collisions, resulting in multiple victims from each crash coming into hospital," he said.
"The urban areas of Whakatane and Tauranga accounted for two and four crashes respectively causing patients to be admitted to hospital for more than 24 hours. The review suggests that urban road traffic crashes did not result in significant injuries due to low vehicle speed."
There were nine separate motorcyclist crashes, four of which occurred around the Opotiki district.
Mr Balmer said there was no common cause for the motorcyclist crashes as the causes ranged from sun-strike, being hit by a truck, losing control and excessive speed.
Notably most of the crashes that resulted in hospital admissions of greater than 24 hours occurred between 1200-2200 hrs. Crash numbers peaked at the high traffic periods - that is between 1200-1300 hours, then 1600-1800 hours and 0700-0900 hours. Surprisingly, there were only 4 crashes from 2200-0700 hours.
The information for the review was taken from St John Ambulance records, the Midland DHB’s Regional Trauma System data sheets, ACC forms, hospital web based patient administration systems, and from patients themselves.
Road toll lowest since 1952
The provisional road toll for 2012 stands at 306.
In 2012, there were 265 fatal road crashes, which is comparable to 259 in 2011, but the number of fatalities from each crash went up, said Superintendent Carey Griffiths, National Manager of Road Policing.
Fewer drivers – 135 – were killed in 2012 compared to 150 in 2011, but passenger deaths increased from 61 to 80. Motorcycle rider deaths also increased from 33 in 2011 to 44 in 2012, he said.
"While low results are to be celebrated, this is still too many New Zealanders needlessly dying."
Superintendent Griffiths said overall, the road toll is trending downwards, and is a far cry from the 843 deaths of 1973 and 795 of 1987.
"Of particular note is the reduced fatalities in the 15-24 year-old age group last year, which at 65 was significantly lower than 82 in 2011. This is the lowest since records were kept on age groups," he said. "Police and our road safety partners have put a significant focus on young drivers, with an increased driving age and a zero blood alcohol limit. While further analysis is needed on the cause, it’s encouraging to see a correlating reduction in deaths."
Superintendent Griffiths said many factors contributed to a reduced road toll. "Government, Police, New Zealand Transport Authority, Ministry of Transport, ACC and other partners work together as part of a safe systems approach to improve roads and roadsides, reduce speeds, improve driver behaviour and encourage safer vehicles," he said. "We’ve also seen significant advances in trauma care, and we can see how those systems are helping to reduce deaths."
Superintendent Griffiths urged road-users to take particular care over the next few days.
So far there have been five deaths during the official holiday period, which ends at 6am on 3 January.
“In 2011, 19 people lost their lives over the holiday break," he said. "It’s particularly important drivers stick to speed limits, every occupant wears a seatbelt and we make good choices about who is driving us home."
He said the whole community has a role to play. "We still see too many deaths where passengers get into cars with drunk drivers, particularly in our rural communities.
"We have to stop tolerating this as these people are killing not only themselves, but other innocent road users. If you’re going out socialising, look after your mates, make transport arrangements early and have a designated driver."
The highest holiday road toll was 35 in 1981/82, and the lowest was 9 in 2006/07.
For more details on figures, please see http://www.transport.govt.nz
Night time roadworks ahead this weekend
The resurfacing works is part of the NZTA’s state highway maintenance programme for the Mount Maunganui and Tauranga area. Acting Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Nigel D’Ath, says the first resurfacing works will start this Sunday (11 November) along Hewletts Road from west of Maru Street to the Hewletts Road overbridge, speed restrictions will be in place during this night work which is expected to finish at this section of the road on Tuesday night (13 November).
On the following Sunday (18 November) resurfacing works will take place in the same area, but will be from Aerodrome Road to the end of the Hewletts Road overbridge, detours will be diverting traffic along Maunganui Road and Hewletts Road - beneath the overbridge. This work will is expected to finish on Thursday night (22 November).
In Tauranga resurfacing works will start next Tuesday night (13 November) south of the Hairini Bridge to the Maungatapu Roundabout (towards Maungatapu only) a single lane will be open during the work with speed restrictions in place says Mr D’Ath. This work is expected to be completed by Thursday (15 November) night.
The works will all start from 7.00pm and finish by 6.00am on the days of operation, during the daytime traffic will revert back to normal operation. Mr D’Ath says drivers should adhere to the posted speed restrictions when travelling through the work sites for the safety of workers.
We apologise to motorists for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience during these works. Motorists wanting to find out more about this road works or the detour route in place should go to the NZTA’s website at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/index.html; or freephone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
This work is weather dependant, and if it is wet this closure will be moved to the next available fine day.
In Tauranga resurfacing works will start next Tuesday night (13 November) south of the Hairini Bridge to the Maungatapu Roundabout (towards Maungatapu only) a single lane will be open during the work with speed restrictions in place says Mr D’Ath. This work is expected to be completed by Thursday (15 November) night.
The works will all start from 7.00pm and finish by 6.00am on the days of operation, during the daytime traffic will revert back to normal operation. Mr D’Ath says drivers should adhere to the posted speed restrictions when travelling through the work sites for the safety of workers.
We apologise to motorists for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience during these works. Motorists wanting to find out more about this road works or the detour route in place should go to the NZTA’s website at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/index.html; or freephone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
This work is weather dependant, and if it is wet this closure will be moved to the next available fine day.
1st bridge section placed on Tauranga Eastern Link
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| 3D Graphic: Kaituna River bridge and Bell Road. |
The Kaituna River Bridge is a four span bridge which will cross over the realigned Bell Road and Kaituna River. With a total length of 150 metres it will be the longest of the seven bridges being built for the TEL project.
The bridge will carry two lanes of traffic in each direction which will be separated by a median wire rope barrier, and will also include a three metre wide pedestrian/cycleway on the eastern side of the bridge.
During the coming weeks, over 270 steel sections which will form the new bridge will be lifted into place.
The NZTA’s Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Brett Gliddon, says a total of 68 piles were driven to depths of 55 metres to construct the two bridge abutments and three piers.
“Two of the piers are located on either side of the river channel which enables the bridge to extend out over the two stop banks.”
It is expected that the placement of all the beams for the bridge will be completed by early 2013.
Keep up-to-date with developments at www.nzta.govt.nz/tel.
Contract for final Tauranga Eastern Link support project awarded
In another step towards the completion of the Bay of Plenty’s largest state highway project, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) last week awarded a $1.6 million contract to construct a new weigh station at Paenagroa on the Tauranga Eastern Link.
The new weigh station, to be constructed by Higgins, will replace two existing facilities that will be removed as part of the construction of Tauranga Eastern Link. The new weigh station will include a weigh-in-motion bridge, control building, inspection pit and a hard stand area for truck parking.
Brett Gliddon, Bay of Plenty State Highway Manager, says work will begin this summer and the project is due to be completed by July 2013.
The Paengaroa weigh station is one of seven Tauranga Eastern Link enabling works projects. Five of the enabling works have already been completed and one currently underway to increase the size of the Maranui Wetland stormwater treatment pond.
The completed projects include:
· building the Kaituna Road extension
· extending Truman Lane
· relocating a bulk watermain
· storm water upgrades around Mangatawa, and
· expanding an existing pumpstation.
Mr Gliddon said the NZTA was making good progress on construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link, one of seven Roads of National Signficance, the Bay of Plenty’s largest ever state highway project and a key strategic transport corridor for the region.
Opening in 2016, the four-lane Tauranga Eastern Link will run from Te Maunga (near Baypark Stadium) in Tauranga to the existing junction of State Highways 2 and 33 (the Rotorua and Whakatane highways) near Paengaroa. It will be made up of 17km of new road and an upgrade of six kilometres of existing highway.
The new four lane highway with a central median barrier will provide a safer and more direct route between Tauranga to Paengaroa, provide more efficient connections for business, industry and tourism, support regional growth, generate jobs and boost the local economy.
Keep up-to-date with developments at www.nzta.govt.nz/tel
Roadwatch: Auckland: Big lift will close Auckland’s Southern Motorway
The NZ Transport Agency advises drivers that there will be overnight closures on Auckland’s Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) at Newmarket this Sunday, 7 October, while the new Dilworth Footbridge is lifted into position across the traffic lanes.
Motorway traffic will be diverted on to detour routes during the following closure times:-
8pm to 5am: SH1 southbound closed between the Gillies Ave off-ramp and the Greenlane on-ramp
11pm to 5am: SH1 northbound closed between Greenlane off-ramp and Gillies Ave on-ramp
8pm to 5am: SH1 southbound closed between the Gillies Ave off-ramp and the Greenlane on-ramp
11pm to 5am: SH1 northbound closed between Greenlane off-ramp and Gillies Ave on-ramp
The NZTA’s Manager of Project Management Services, Tom Newson, says Sunday night is the best option for the full and partial closures of the motorway.
“We regret any inconvenience to drivers, but we have chosen a time when traffic volumes are light, and during the school holidays, to minimise disruption.”
During the closures, a 43 metre-long section of footbridge spanning the motorway just south of the Newmarket Viaduct, will be lifted into place by a crane. The second span of the footbridge, over the adjacent railway line, will be installed the following weekend.
Mr Newson says it is planned to have the new footbridge opened by the end of the month. The existing footbridge will then be removed.
“The new footbridge will be safer for both the people using it, and for motorway drivers,” he says. “It will be higher, reducing the risk of bridge strike from vehicles over the legal height limit, and unlike the existing footbridge, does not need to be supported by a pier located between the motorway lanes.”
This work is an important part of the completion of the Newmarket Viaduct Replacement Project undertaken by the NGA Newmarket Alliance of NZTA with its partners, Leighton Contractors, Fulton Hogan, VSL, URS, Beca, Boffa Miskell and Tonkin & Taylor. The four year project is due to be completed in December 2012.
Sunday’s closures are weather dependant. If the lift cannot be carried out this weekend, the work will be deferred until the following Sunday.
For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/newmarketconnection
No delays expected for rugby supporters
No delays expected on Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highways for rugby fans supporters heading to Hamilton this Saturday
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is not expecting any delays for incoming rugby fans travelling to Hamilton this weekend for the big game.
NZTA State Highway Operations Manager, Karen Boyt, says supporters travelling to Saturday's Rugby Super 14 Chiefs vs Sharks final at Waikato Stadium are likely to come into the city from the north, east and south.
"We expect supporters will come from Auckland via SH1; from the Western Bay of Plenty via SH29 over the Kaimais or other alternative routes; and from the Eastern Bay of Plenty/Rotorua via SH5 over the Mamakus."
Ms Boyt says while the region has experienced some challenging weather conditions in the last couple of weeks, the agency has made good progress with the highway clean ups and all state highways are currently open.
"There should also be no problems or significant delays related to road works around the regions' state highways or the Waikato Expressway."
Ms Boyt says contractors will continue to keep an eye on weather forecasts and road conditions as the sporting weekend approaches. "Monitoring is an ongoing part of our state highway maintenance activities in both regions."
"It's always a good idea to plan ahead for your journey, stay alert at all times and drive to the conditions," says Ms Boyt. "Current highway conditions are also available online or can be checked by call the NZTA freephone before travelling."
Ms Boyt says the NZTA's website is updated regularly and it includes details on state highway road or lane closures, significant state highway road works and where relevant, detour and alternative route information.
This information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic or by calling the NZTA freephone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Pine tree removal in the Waioeka Gorge
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that a short section of the Waioeka Gorge at Oponae on State Highway 2 will close for short periods from 30 July – 3 August 2012 to enable the removal of hazardous trees overhanging the highway.
NZTA will be closing the highway near Waiata Road for up to 15 minute stretches to protect traffic while the trees are being removed. Some travel delays are expected.
Weather permitting, the work will begin on July 30 and will take approximately five days to complete. The work will be carried out between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
NZTA State Highway manager, Brett Gliddon, says the eighteen pine trees are self seeded and are situated precariously above the road, posing a potential hazard to road users if they were to fall.
Mr Gliddon says, “The removal of these pines is a continuation of the wilding pine control that the Department of Conservation (DOC) has progressively being undertaking in the Waioeka Gorge over recent years. The trees are located on DOC land, and the cost to remove them is being shared between the two agencies.”
For more information please visit www.nzta.govt.nz
Continued care urged on highways
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is advising motorists to continue to take care on state highways around the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
- The Karangahake Gorge on State Highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa is still closed. River levels through the gorge are receding but significant work is still needed to clear slips and debris; therefore the road will be closed for the rest of the day.
- Alternative routes are available and motorists are advised to either:
- drive south on SH2 from Waihi then SH29 via Tauranga over the Kaimais (for Bay of Plenty motorists). However, motorists should also be aware that there is a short detour further down SH2 at Apata and caution is required (see below), or;
- drive north on SH25 and then SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai (for Coromandel motorists).
- State Highway 25 between Thames and Coromandel Town is now open. Motorists are being cautioned to take care as debris is still being cleared from this stretch of SH25 and the NZTA is continuing to monitor this section closely.
- A section of State Highway 25 between Coromandel Town and Whitianga is still closed due to a major slip at between Whangapoua and Te Rerenga.
- State Highway 29 on the lower Kaimais (Waikato side) - the cleanup is continuing in relation to some isolated small slips and a number of pot holes. Contractors confirm there are no delays to traffic and both lanes are open - but motorists are asked to take care when travelling through the clean up areas.
- On SH2, the Athenree Gorge remains open to one lane. Work crews are currently working on clearing this slip.
- Also on SH2 at Apata, a short section of road is closed between Katikati and Tauranga due to a slip and will remain closed for the rest of the day. A short detour is in place along Apata Station Road. Crews are working to clear the slip now.
- SH2 between Bruce Road and the Domain Road intersection, surface flooding has caused the closure of the north bound lane but the south bound lane is clear. A detour for north bound drivers is in place along Papamoa Beach Road and it will remain in place for the remainder of the day. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
- SH30 at Rotoma Hill - there are isolated slips. The road is open but drivers still need to take care.
"The NZTA will continue to closely monitor all roads within the area with heavy rain due to continue to fall until later today. If drivers must travel we urge that they take extreme care on the highways, drive to the conditions, and allow more time for their journeys so that they can reach their destination safely," says the NZTA's Acting State Highway Manager, Karen Boyt.
Ms Boyt say's before starting their journey people should check with the NZTA's freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or 0800 44 44 49, or its website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz for up-to-the-minute info on road conditions.
Flooding keeps state highways closed
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| A motorist in Katikati was stranded after heavy rain caused flooding. Photo: Matty Donaldson. |
The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to continue to take care as heavy rain has caused flooding and slips around the region
Heavy rain warnings are still in place for the area and flooding and slips will continue to affect a number of roads over the next 24 hours:
The Karangahake Gorge on State highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa is still closed. River levels through the gorge are receding but there will be significant clearing of the road before it can open.
Also on SH2, the Athenree Gorge remains open to one lane. Work crews will begin the slip clean up this morning.
Motorists are advised to use either SH29 via Tauranga over the Kaimais (for Bay of Plenty motorists) or SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai (for Coromandel motorists) as alternative routes and avoid SH2 until flood waters recede.
State Highway 25 between Thames and Whitiangia is closed due to major slips at Te Puru and Te Rerenga and a number of other small slips.
SH26 between Paeroa and Te Aroha is open.
State Highway 26 at the Criterion Bridge, Paeroa is open.
State highway 29 on the lower Kaimais (Waikato side) there are isolated small slips and a number of pot
holes, contractors are on their way to repair these.
State highway 2 near Whakamarama is closed due to a major slip blocking the road. Diversions are in place.
SH2 between Bruce Road and the Domain Road intersection, surface flooding has caused the closure of one lane. A short detour is in place, and is likely to remain in place for the remainder of the day.
SH30 Rotomas, there are isolated slips, so while the road is open drivers need to take care.
"The NZTA will continue to closely monitor all roads within the area with heavy rain due to continue to fall until later today. If drivers must travel we urge that they take extreme care on the highways, drive to the conditions, and allow more time for their journeys so that they can reach their destinations safely." says the NZTA's Acting State Highway Manager, Karen Boyt.
Ms Boyt say's before starting their journey people should check with the NZTA's freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or 0800 44 44 49, or its website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz for up-to-the-minute info on road conditions.