Work begins soon on high-risk road

Flexible median barriers and roundabouts among solutions for stretch of SH2

Most deaths and injuries can be avoided by making relatively simple yet effective changes to a notorious section of SH2 south of Waihi, Waka Kotahi say as the roading agency embarks on improvements.

Flexible median barriers and an upgrade to an additional six intersections between Tetley and Esdaile Rds will get under way.

But Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships David Speirs says drivers must also play their part.

“There are many reasons crashes happen and we need a mix of solutions that all work together to keep people safe. We need everyone making safe choices, in safe vehicles, on safe roads and travelling at safe speeds.

Work since 2019 to improve this 40km corridor includes road and shoulder widening, installing a wide centreline, roadside safety barriers in high-risk areas and intersection improvements.

A Road to Zero strategy sees more improvements coming.

“We know there is a lot to do across this stretch of SH2 and we cannot do it all at once. This rapidly growing region is undergoing significant investment, and it will take us time to implement all that is needed,” says Spiers.

“It is great to have confirmed funding for this additional infrastructure that will undoubtedly save lives and build on the work being done along this corridor and we know this is already making a difference to local people.”

He said a flexible median barrier is important along this stretch since head-on crashes make up 32 per cent of the deaths and serious injuries on SH2.

“If something goes wrong, flexible barriers will catch the vehicle and prevent a crash into an on-coming vehicle, he says.

“Our modelling tells us that installing flexible median barrier will reduce these sad and avoidable events by a massive 72 per cent.”

The agency says activity at the Rea Rd/tetley Rd intersection, south of Katikati, will begin before the end of February.

A roundabout will be constructed. A second roundabout at Morton Rd intersection is in the design stage and construction is expected to begin mid-2022.

The team is now working through programming for the remaining roundabouts at Sharp Rd,

Lockington/matahui Rds, Apata Station Rd and Esdaile/pahoia Rds.

The inclusion of flexible median barrier was proposed early on as a safety enhancement to the current widening works and has undergone several stages of public consultation.

“We have heard the underlying concern from residents around journey inconvenience, as well as feedback about how much safer they now feel because of the widening works.

“A median barrier will mean people may not be able to make a right turn from their driveways or side road.

“Yes, this is inconvenient, although safety for everyone remains our priority,” says Speirs.