15 February 2013

Taneatua SH2 safety project gets underway

Work is now underway to realign a section of State Highway 2 (SH2) near Taneatua, says the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

NZTA’s Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Brett Gliddon says this realignment project forms the second phase of the work to improve safety and maintain the security of this important regional freight route.

“By removing the curves, adding more road width and increasing site distances we expect to improve the safety of drivers along this section of the road.”

The project involves removing the 85 year old rail over bridge, upgrading the drainage system and realigning State Highway 2 and Taneatua Road.

Downers have been awarded the $1.7m project which is expected to be completed by mid 2013.

Mr Gliddon said State Highway 2 is also an important local connector and regional freight route.

Construction is expected to take approximately 5 months and during this process the speed limit will be reduced to 30km/h at the site.

ENDS