Two new raised pedestrian crossings are scheduled to be completed in Greytown and Carterton in the coming weeks as part of Waka Kotahi’s SH2 safety improvement project and its Road to Zero’ campaign.
Further pedestrian crossing upgrades are expected across the region during the next two years.
Works on Main St near Hastwell St in Greytown started Monday, November 20, with the expectation that the construction will be completed in approximately seven nights.
Traffic control from 142 Main St to 112 Main St is in place with stop-go management, and the SH2 intersection with Hastwell St is closed 24/7 for most of the works, with local detours available.
Meanwhile, the Carterton crossing on High St near Pembroke St has been postponed by one day after recent bad weather.
Initially scheduled to begin on Monday, November 27, the works will now start on Tuesday, November 28 and run for approximately seven nights, from 6pm to 6am.
The safety improvement project includes roundabouts, barriers, pedestrian crossings, a speed review, and a SH2 Chapel St upgrade – with the latter now postponed with no confirmed start date.
Waka Kotahi confirmed that all 22 of the completed and planned raised pedestrian crossings that will ultimately be installed across Wairarapa are expected to cost approximately $2.7 million in total.
“The costs of individual crossings may vary according to location and the nature of the road design and infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.
Waka Kotahi regional manager Mark Owen has previously said raised pedestrian crossings significantly improve safety for pedestrians.
“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,” he said.
The spokesperson emphasised that the estimated social cost to New Zealand from death and serious injury [DSI] caused by traffic accidents is estimated to be $65 million per week – over $3.4 billion a year.
“Every collision and injury these new crossings prevent are an essential step towards reducing this burden.”
The construction costs for the crossings include other infrastructure expenses associated with “removing and replacing road surfaces and managing and protecting other infrastructure [eg wastewater, water, communication, power] when they are built”.
The upgraded and new crossings will include anti-slip surfacing, new poles with LED lighting to improve night-time visibility, and upgraded signs.
Other current SH2 works in the region include Mount Bruce, where several sites between Ruamāhanga Gorge Rd and Bruce Rd are undergoing safety improvements that are expected to be finished by mid-December.
Maintenance and safety works on Remutaka Hill will begin in early 2024 in mid-January.
Unlike previous years, safety improvements will be made at the same time as maintenance and repairs to reduce disruption to motorists.
This work will take place over 31 nights between January and June 2024, with the Hill closed to motorists unless they have booked an escorted crossing. manager Mark Owen has previously said raised pedestrian crossings significantly improve safety for pedestrians.
“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,” he said.
The spokesperson emphasised that the estimated social cost to New Zealand from death and serious injury [DSI] caused by traffic accidents is estimated to be $65 million per week – over $3.4 billion a year.
“Every collision and injury these new crossings prevent are an essential step towards reducing this burden.”
The construction costs for the crossings include other infrastructure expenses associated with “removing and replacing road surfaces and managing and protecting other infrastructure [eg wastewater, water, communication, power] when they are built”.
The upgraded and new crossings will include anti-slip surfacing, new poles with LED lighting to improve night-time visibility, and upgraded signs.
Other current SH2 works in the region include Mount Bruce, where several sites between Ruamāhanga Gorge Rd and Bruce Rd are undergoing safety improvements that are expected to be finished by mid-December.
Maintenance and safety works on Remutaka Hill will begin in early 2024 in mid-January.
Unlike previous years, safety improvements will be made at the same time as maintenance and repairs to reduce disruption to motorists.
This work will take place over 31 nights between January and June 2024, with the Hill closed to motorists unless they have booked an escorted crossing.
Sorry it’s labour’s road to zero campaign policy? A nanny state 🙄. Everyone must have a driving license to be on the road 🤔 and making them brighter Bigger Bolder move visible to all that use Highway? Crossings on a Highway 🛣 😳?. Next for traffic lights that have a Crossings? Please spend the money 💰 fixing your maintenance problems on potholes that are dangerous for motorists and stop ✋ 😑 this nanny state policy 🙄 licensed drivers can drive 🚗 .