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Transport Agency strikes out against bridge damage   

Protecting Auckland’s motorways and the people who use them from damage caused by over-height vehicles and unsecured loads striking bridges and information signs is the aim of the NZ Transport Agency’s Auckland Motorway Alliance led safety campaign starting this week.

The campaign includes billboards erected at 20 on-ramps around the Auckland motorway network from 1 December to raise driver awareness of vehicle load heights. Resources including measuring tools and height guidelines will be supplied to heavy haulage and transport industry organisations in the Auckland region.

Tommy Parker, Auckland State Highways Manager for the NZTA, says there are on average 25 bridge strikes every year on Auckland’s motorways.  The latest strike at Orams Road Bridge on the Southern Motorway cut a vital link between two communities for six weeks and cost around $400,000 to repair.

“Bridge strikes cost the public a lot of money, can be a huge inconvenience through detours and delays, and pose a safety threat to other motorway users”, Mr Parker said.

Common causes of motorway structure strikes include unsecured crane booms and digger arms, incorrectly loaded diggers, loose loads, and uncovered open containers.

“The aim of the awareness campaign is to remind drivers to check their vehicle load-heights before entering the motorway network and to ensure loads are well secured and adhering to NZTA rules,” says Tommy.

Current NZTA rules stipulate that the maximum height for a load is 4.25 metres, with over-dimension permits required when a load exceeds five metres. Written permission is required from the bridge or structure owner (usually the NZTA or local council) before travelling if the load height exceeds 4.25 metres.

The Auckland Motorway Alliance (Auckland Motorways / AMA) was formed just over a year ago to maintain and operate Auckland’s 220kms of motorway network. Led by the NZTA, the AMA comprises of Fulton Hogan, Opus International Consultants, Beca, Resolve Group and Armitage Systems Ltd.

As well as being a friendly first point of call for customers, the AMA is responsible for the day to day operation of the Auckland Motorway Network including traffic and environmental management, research and development, safety work, and maintenance.

ENDS

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