Upgrades of five pedestrian crossings throughout Wairarapa will be completed before the end of the year, including moving a Greytown crossing 10 metres north.
This work is part of previously announced ‘Road to Zero’ safety improvement projects for the region, and all upgrades will install raised pedestrian crossings.
Mark Owen, Waka Kotahi regional manager of Lower North Island and top of the South, said feedback regarding three raised pedestrian crossings built by the transport agency in 2021 has helped refine the current designs.
“Raised pedestrian crossings significantly improve safety for pedestrians,” Owen said.
“International research shows they reduce deaths and serious injuries by about 40 per cent. Raised platform crossings are brighter, bigger, and bolder, making them more visible to all who use the highway.”
Additional enhancements to the upgraded crossings will include anti-slip surfacing, new poles with LED lighting to improve night-time visibility, and upgraded signs.
The current proposed changes to the existing pedestrian crossing in Greytown on SH2 Main St near Hastwell St would see the crossing moved approximately 10m towards the intersection of Hastwell St.
Owen said there will be community engagement on the proposed changes, with the work scheduled to be done between now and late December.
