Haywards work still not finished
Motorists experiencing frustration with a not fully functioning Haywards Interchange will have to wait several more weeks for any final completion.
The $43 million interchange at the intersection of State Highways 2 and 58 at Haywards Hill has been in use to traffic since April and was officially opened on August 2.
However it remains a work in progress with a 70kmh speed limit to traffic at the north-south intersection, limited use of traffic lanes and on-off ramps and significant road surfacing and sealing work still to be done.
The interchange will now be completed by the end of October, the NZ Transport Agency says.
Poor weather caused some minor project delays but priority was given to road works which ensured the interchange was open to vehicles, acting portfolio manager Glen Prince said.
Work on the north bound onramp merge lane, SH58 uphill road pavement construction, Hebden Crescent and SH2 resurfacing has begun and some speed restrictions will be in place.
‘‘Until the project is complete the temporary speed limits on SH2 and SH58 will remain,’’ Prince said.
‘‘We thank drivers for their patience . . . and remind them to slow down to allow for safe merging with SH 58 traffic.’’
Road surface work on the southbound on and off ramps and the northbound and southbound lanes on SH 2 will continue to the end of October. This will be at night with work requiring some traffic detours, the NZTA said.
The more than 18 month interchange construction moved State Highway traffic lights and meant SH2 motorists no longer had to stop vehicles using the Haywards Hill Rd between Hutt Valley and Porirua to come on to the highway.
YOUR SAY
With the Haywards Interchange work continuing to late October, we asked Neighbourly users if drivers are finding the 70kmh speed limit frustrating. In an online poll, 77 said thatwas the case. Commentswe received included: Wayne Chapman, Totara Park: The current lower speed limit is frustrating. I can understand it when there are workmen on the road but outside of that why not just 100kmh? The road is fine. Even if not quite finished it’s probably better than a lot of narrow, twisty 100kmh roads around the country. Keith Morris, Timberlea: I can understand the current speed limits. The current road surface is still ‘‘in progress’’ with heaps of ghost markings and lowquality joins. In the interim drivers should avoid displays of impatience and take that lead boot off the accelerator. Kathy Hunter, Silverstream: Frustrating yes, because no one sticks to it and, for the ones who do, you have people tailgating you and speeding up to get past. It’s simply not working. The temporary speed limit needs to be reviewed and the roadworks finished ASAP.