With both the northern and southern ends of the new motorway starting to look more complete, it’s important to remember there is still work to be done behind the hills and on the safety and quality assurance tests and consent tasks that need to be completed for the road to safely and legally open to traffic.

Under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract, it is the responsibility of WGP and the builder, CPB HEB, to deliver a road that meets the safety, quality and environmental standards agreed in the contract, and expected by the public.

These tests are important, not just to meet the contractual requirements, but to help ensure there are no major issues that would require repairs after the road opens to traffic, which could lead to frustrating and disruptive closures for motorists.

There are 100 safety and quality assurance tests the contract stipulates must be met before the road can open. WGP and the builder also need to complete 45 consent tasks in order to meet the contractual requirements for road opening.

As at 19 November 2021:

• 38 final test submissions have been received from the builder, of which 28 have been accepted by the Independent Reviewer as meeting the required specifications
• 45 partial submissions have been made and 17 tests are yet to be submitted

As at 12 November 2021:

• Seven of the consent tasks have been completed
• Of the 38 remaining consent tasks, 36 are underway and have been progressed to varying degrees, and two are not yet started.

Northbound work on the road surface where Transmission Gully will connect with the existing State Highway 1 was finished over the weekend, with southbound paving scheduled to take place this weekend.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is reminding people that while the road may start to look finished, the safety, compliance and assurance tests still need to be completed for the road to open safely to traffic.

Once those standards are met, the PPP contract will move into the service phase – the 25-year maintenance and operations period which will be managed by WGP and their maintenance and operations subcontractor, Ventia, after which it will be handed to Waka Kotahi at an agreed standard.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWgtn
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWgtn
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Waka Kotahi’s full suite of Pedestrian Network Guidance has been redeveloped to guide the design of all New Zealand streets, making them safer and more accessible for everyone using them.  The updated draft guidelines are available online, in a new format, with easy to access sections covering:

• Walking in New Zealand
• Planning methods
• Design principles
• Implementation advice
• Reviews and audits
• Training
• Case studies.

The guidance has been developed in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including extensive input from the disability sector.

“This joined-up approach means more perspectives have been included, ensuring Aotearoa’s streets are designed for everyone and the barriers removed for people with mobility difficulties,” says Gerry Dance, Waka Kotahi Team Leader Multi-modal programme and standards.

“The aim of this guidance is to support our planners and designers to create vibrant spaces for people in our communities to enjoy, while keeping accessibility and social connectivity at the forefront of design. The guidance will support street planners and councils to shape the future of New Zealand’s urban environments and help us meet the Government’s strategic priorities to provide better travel options and improved safety to all street users.”

The Guidance is available online at www.nzta.govt.nz/PNG

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/TransportAgency
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahi_news
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

A 1.5m wide centreline will be painted on the freshly resealed section of the state highway between Taupō Airport/Lake Terrace roundabout and Tawhaa Road later this week.

The resealing is one of several sites being sealed between Taupō and Tūrangi as part of the Waka Kotahi spring/summer road maintenance programme, which will see repairs and resurfacing carried out on state highways across the Waikato. 

Wide centrelines consist of two lines marked in the centre of the road that provide greater separation for opposing traffic than standard centreline markings. This separation helps reduce the likelihood of head-on crashes and is typically used on roads where ‘crossing the centreline’ type crashes either exist or there is increased risk of them occurring.

Road users are reminded to drive with care through the new road layout.

The wide centrelines are part of planned safety improvements on SH1 in the Taupo region to make our state highways safer to support the delivery of Road to Zero, New Zealand’s road safety strategy.

Waka Kotahi is also investigating options such as flexible median and roadside safety barriers on SH1 from Taupō Airport to Hātepe, excluding the township of Waitahanui. We’re engaging with iwi, stakeholders and the community throughout the feasibility and design stages. Construction is planned to start in late 2022, subject to funding and other planning requirements.

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.