NZ Transport Agency Wellington Regional Office

10 February 2009

Highway traveller info to be boosted by eight more electronic message signs

Highway traveller information will get a further boost this month with the installation of eight more electronic message signs, including four in the Hutt area.

The message boards, which will be operational by the end of this month, form part of a network of cameras and signs strategically positioned across the Wellington region. They are designed to give NZTA the ability to manage traffic more efficiently and advise road users of conditions that may affect their journey.

NZTA Regional Director Dr Deborah Hume says it’s all about giving travellers on the highway more information so they can plan their journey better or know what to expect.

“For example, we use these message boards to let people on the highway know what has happened on the road, such as incidents that may slow their journey or require them to take an alternate route. We also use CCTV cameras to monitor the road conditions and then post information on the message boards about road closures or potential delays, together with traffic bulletins for radio stations and websites.

Typically, the signs display information of what has happened, where, what effect this has on the highway and advice for motorists. For example, it may show the words “snow Rimutakas, road closed” or “roadworks Mt Victoria Tunnel, road closed, detour ahead”.

The new electronic message signs are located on Petone Esplanade, Melling Bridge and Kennedy Good Bridge for westbound traffic approaching SH2, at Liverton Road for northbound SH2 traffic, Tawa for SH1 southbound traffic, Waterfall Road for northbound SH1 traffic, Pauatahanui for SH58 westbound traffic and further afield at Sanson for eastbound SH3 traffic heading towards Palmerston North.

ENDS

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