Safer roads make inconvenience of roadworks worth it
It is great to see our vision of more enjoyable, safer journeys taking shape as we continue with State Highway 2 ¯safety works between Waih¯ı and Omokoroa.
Construction of a roundabout at Rea Rd and Tetley Rd started in January. This is progressing well and, with the median barrier between here and Esdaile Rd/Pahoia Rd, will ensure you and your wha¯nau are better protected when travelling this road.
A roundabout at the Morton Rd intersection is in the final design stage with construction expected to begin mid-2022.
Sadly, head-on crashes make up around 32 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on SH2, which makes flexible median barriers an important addition here. Evidence shows that less than a third of serious crashes are caused by intentional violations and risk-taking behaviour, with the majority resulting from simple errors by otherwise conscientious drivers.
The median barriers and intersection upgrades also add to other work being done along this corridor, such as road and shoulder widening, wider centrelines, and roadside barriers in high-risk areas. These improvements are being delivered as part of Road to Zero, New Zealand’s road safety strategy, which has a vision of an Aotearoa where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Like many other workplaces across the country, our contractors are dealing with Covid-19 cases amongst their workforces. This affects every aspect of our work, from planning and design to construction. Covid-19 has also impacted our supply chain with up to six months’ delay of materials such as heavy-duty electrical cable, steel and timber poles for retaining walls.
But otherwise, we’ve had a successful maintenance season with contractors undertaking a huge amount of work despite the trying circumstances of Covid.
We thank you for your patience as we support our contractors to manage the health and safety of their workforces while continuing to ensure the state highway network remains safe for all those who use it.
Please check the Journey Planner website journeys.nzta.govt.nz for the latest information on our roadworks before heading out.