30 January 2014| NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty

State Highway 29 safety works to start early February

Work to continue making safety improvements for motorists along State Highway 29 (SH29) will start early next month says the NZ Transport Agency.

The Transport Agency says the work will involve installing road side barriers in high risk locations of the highway.

Highways Manager, Brett Gliddon says the work will further enhance improvements made last year to the road surface and to signage on SH29.

“SH29 is recognised as a key transport route. It is one of the busiest highways in the Bay and it is known to have a high risk of crashes. As part of the government's Safer Journeys strategy the Transport Agency are continuing to make safety improvements to the highway to reduce the severity risk of crashes by upgrading the road and roadside, says Mr Gliddon.  

“In 2013, works were carried out to improve the surface and signage on SH29; making the surface more skid resistant, putting in clearer pavement markings, and improving the traffic warning signs.”
“The focus this year is to make further safety improvements such as side barrier protection along high-risk sections of the highway between Ruahihi Road and the summit of the Kaimais.”
He says side barriers, such as guard rail and wire rope, will help to reduce the severity of any crashes along this section of the highway.
The cost of the works is estimated to be $2m with the work starting on 3 Februaryand expected to be completed at the end of June this year.

The Transport Agency’s website is regularly updated with information about most delays, closures and detours at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.
People can also call the Transport Agency's free phone on 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49), which can also be used to report any significant road issues or hazards which people may come across during their travels. 
Alternatively,  drivers can also subscribe to On The Move a free service which enables provides up to date information about crashes, road works and driving conditions on their frequently used routes - to sign up, go towww.onthemove.govt.nz.

END

© Scoop Media