NZ Transport Agency Wellington Regional Office

2 September 2009

Spring sees work resume on SH1 Peka Peka passing lane.

Having been closed during the wet winter months, the Peka Peka passing lane project - establishing a new passing lane on SH1 between Otaki and Waikanae - is springing back into action next week.

NZ Transport Agency Regional State Highways Manager Rob Whight says good progress was made on the project in the first five months of this year.

“The project was closed at the end of May as ground conditions were not suitable for work to continue, but with the onset of spring NZTA contractors are returning to site ready to start work on Monday 7 September,” says Mr Whight.

Before the site closed the contractor dug out the old ground material to the west of SH1 and replaced it above the future road level to allow it to settle before the new passing lane could be constructed. The next stage will be to remove this material and start work to form the new passing lane as well as forming a new surface on the eastern side of SH1.

Work will also continue on the installation of new drainage along the eastern side of SH1.

NZTA advises that the temporary speed limit will reduce to 50k/h so that road users can move safely through the site while the improvement work is carried out.

“We appreciate the impact that this type of work can have on road users and residents living nearby. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank Kapiti Coast residents and visitors for their continued patience and understanding while this work is ongoing,” says Mr Whight.

The project is due for completion early 2010.

ENDS.