SH1 speed signs put up
Motorists to be slowed at risky intersections
Speed signs are being installed to slow motorists travelling on State Highway 1 at 100km/h to just 60km/h at two dangerous Northland intersections. Work began during the week on installing the signs where Mangapai Rd intersects with SH1 at Oakleigh and where Shoemaker Rd crosses the highway at Waipu.
Officials say the signs will improve safety at the intersections and make previously high-risk manoeuvres safer and easier for turning vehicles.
The same system of speed signs was installed on SH1 at the intersection with SH12.
After the work is completed and testing has been carried out, the signs are likely to be in use by the summer holidays.
Signs display a 60km/h speed when sensors detect a vehicle approaching the intersection with the main road.
The signs on SH1 are about 150m from the side road and the sensors are 150m from the highway.
The lower speed is displayed to warn drivers on the state highway or main road to slow down to reduce the risk of collision.
It is compulsory for traffic on the highway to travel at 60km/h when the signs are illuminated.
NZ Transport Agency acting director of safety and environment Lisa Rossiter said the intersection speed zones were a simple, relatively quick safety improvement which had proven effective in New Zealand and overseas.
“These intersections are at locations that have a high risk of serious crashes involving turning traffic. By slowing the oncoming traffic, the intersection speed zones will help prevent these crashes and reduce the risk of someone being killed or seriously injured if a crash does happen,” Rossiter said.
The work is part of the Government’s $22.5 million national Boost Safety Programme, which includes low-cost safety improvements such as rumble strips and better signage on regional state highways.
The Whangarei District Council and police supported the work at the sites.