SH1 Peka Peka passing lane will improve safety

Additional safety improvements are being included as part of the new passing lane nearing completion on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Otaki and Waikanae.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Wellington Acting State Highways Manager Mark Owen says the project includes safety improvements such as the removal of a deep roadside ditch and improved manhole design. However, extra safety improvements including a re-designed stormwater culvert and changes to the central median strip are being added to the project’s programme.

“The new 2km southbound passing lane at Peka Peka is considered an ideal location to trial a new system of providing greater separation between opposing traffic flows by creating a visual barrier rather than installing a physical median barrier,” says Mr Owen.

The trial is to investigate improvements to highway safety compared with installing a median barrier system. A 1.5m wide median strip is being painted between the north and southbound lanes and reflective, flexible plastic posts are being installed at 5m spacings.

Mr Owen says that the new passing lane, which is expected to be finshed by the end of the month, completes the NZTA’s passing lane strategy for this area.

“There was only one southbound passing lane between Otaki and Waikanae, approximately 5km south of Otaki, so this second opportunity to overtake slower road users is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce driver frustration and therefore improve overall safety on the region's transport backbone,” he says.

Mr Owen adds that because the necessary earthworks encroached onto former swamp land on one side of the carriageway, the site was closed last winter to allow this ground to settle before the new passing lane could be constructed.

“We really appreciate the patience of locals and motorists during the past 18 months.”

ENDS