Maintenance crews will manage this short stretch of SH85, referred to locally as Dead Horse Pinch, with a temporary speed limit and cones/barriers to keep drivers away from the road shoulder, says Waka Kotahi Senior Network Manager Chris Harris.

“This site has been the subject of ongoing movement since it was constructed in the 1950s,” says Mr Harris. “The movement on the shoulder reactivated in the January 2021 flood. Further movement in July required remedial works and an additional monitoring regime was established while investigations were completed and repair options assessed.

“Waka Kotahi will continue the temporary traffic management with a lane shift away from the shoulder until we can get a more permanent repair underway.

“The site will be regularly inspected to ensure it stays safe. Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience and following the temporary speed limits to ensure everyone’s safety over the holiday period.”

The highway shoulder on SH85 that is failing:

Over the last two years, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors have built uphill crawler lanes, straightened the road around the most challenging bends, and installed median safety barriers.

New electronic message boards and CCTV have also been installed to help monitor the road and keep people up to date with the latest traffic and travel information.

“We’re pleased to have Stage 1 of the SH58 Safety Improvements project completed well in time for Christmas, bar some minor work on the culvert and a few other items, which our contractors aim to have finished in the next few weeks,” says Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen.

“SH58 is one of the region’s key routes, linking the Hutt Valley and Porirua. We’re pleased to have now completed safety improvements on the three-kilometre section between Hutt Valley and Mount Cecil Road.

“It’s been challenging work on a busy highway carrying around 20,000 vehicles every day, but the end result is a much safer, more reliable and enjoyable journey for everyone who travels on this route.

“These changes provide people with better visibility, more safety features, and a smoother, less demanding journey, which will all help to prevent people being killed or seriously injured on this road. They’ll also support economic growth by providing better and more resilient access through this section.”

Since work started in October 2019, more than 85,000 cubic metres of earthworks have been moved, 25,000 tonnes of asphalt have been laid, and more than 8,000 trees and shrubs have been planted.

“We know how much people have been looking forward to this first stage of road works being finished. We would particularly like to thank everyone who lives along this road for their patience and understanding while this work has been underway,” Mr Owen says.

“With the first stage of work complete, our team can now fully focus on the next section of safety improvements on State Highway 58, between Harris Road and the Transmission Gully interchange at Pāuatahanui.”

Work is continuing further west on SH58, from Mount Cecil Road through to the Transmission Gully Interchange at Pāuatahanui, with the work being divided into two stages.

Construction on Stage 2A from Mount Cecil Road to Harris Road began in early 2021 and is expected to be completed in mid-2022.

Work on Stage 2B, between Harris Road and the Transmission Gully interchange at Pāuatahanui, is currently going through the final design and consenting process, with construction expected to start in 2023.

These safety improvements involve widening the road, adding sealed shoulders, installing roadside and median safety barriers, curve corrections, two new roundabouts and existing bridge improvements.

The roundabout is at the intersection of Old Wharf Road, King Edward and High Streets. Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, Emma Speight, says it will help people to travel around this intersection safely.

“Whether you are driving, cycling, or walking across the road, the new roundabout will help people navigate the intersection more safely and at a slower speed. It will also make it easier and safer for people coming from the side roads to access the state highway, and it will help pedestrians get across safely.”

Over the summer period there will be a temporary speed limit of 30km/h while people get used to the pedestrian zebra crossings and the roundabout ramps, markings and signage are finalised in the New Year.

Waka Kotahi will be monitoring the roundabout to ensure it is working well for the community.

“We encourage everyone to take it slowly, as they adjust to the new road layout. The pedestrian crossings at the roundabout are new to drivers, and so we ask both drivers and pedestrians to be careful and watch out for each other,” Ms Speight says.

The new Motueka roundabout with pedestrian crossings at each approach:

The pedestrian crossings are set around six metres back from roundabout – for three main reasons:

1. It ensures pedestrians are visible to people driving through the roundabout
2. It ensures the crossing points are located where people would naturally cross the road, therefore reducing the likelihood of jaywalking.
3. It will mean that vehicles will not have picked up speed while exiting the roundabout before reaching the zebra crossing.

“We look forward to coming back in February 2022, to complete the final piece of the Motueka project, with the installation of the Tudor/High Street traffic signals. Thank you to everyone for your patience during the 2021 construction,” Ms Speight says.

Further information

Using the roundabout as a driver, motorcyclist or cyclist

A roundabout is a central island in the middle of an intersection, where all drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists must travel to the left of the island in a circular pattern.

It creates single-directional travel that reduces the potential for head-on collisions, the contributing factor to many serious injury crashes.

The Motueka roundabout is single laned. When you come up to a roundabout that has only one lane in each direction:

• • slow down as you approach
  • check the pedestrian crossing has no-one waiting to use it
  • bear in mind people/children who may be slow walkers or people using a walking frame will take a bit longer than some people to cross
  • then be prepared to give way to your right – where the traffic is coming from.

Learn more about use of roundabouts here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roadcode/general-road-code/road-code/about-driving/giving-way/giving-way-at-roundabouts/

For pedestrians

There are four pedestrian zebra crossings at the Motueka intersection, at each approach to the roundabout.

Drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists always need to give way and stop for pedestrians who are the most vulnerable road and footpath users.

If you are a pedestrian using the crossing, please check that people driving have seen you and are slowing down and stopping before you step onto the crossing.  Make eye contact with the driver. A friendly wave is appreciated.

Pedestrians should cross as quickly as they are able to.

Pedestrians should not step out suddenly onto a pedestrian crossing without checking for motorcycles or vehicles using the roundabout. They should give the driver a chance to safely slow and stop.

Always look both ways before stepping out on the crossing.

About the new Motueka roundabout

The Motueka High St (SH60) roundabout has been funded as part of the $6.8m investment for High Street from the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

Why is this roundabout raised?

The whole intersection – roundabout and pedestrian zebra crossings – is raised, with a gradual ramp onto the roundabout at each approach. Please note, the full height ramps are still to be installed and that is why the temporary speed limit remains in place.

The raised platform encourages safer speeds and helps make people using the pedestrian crossings or cycling more visible to drivers/ motorcyclists. The raised intersection/ roundabout is increasingly being used to improve safety through intersections and at pedestrian crossings.

The raised roundabout at this location also helps to reduce speeds, making it easier for drivers to choose the right time to enter flowing traffic.

Further information on the wider work for Motueka, construction dates

In February 2022, the last piece of this safety project will be started, with the installation of traffic signals at the Tudor and High Street intersection.

Waka Kotahi is pausing construction during the peak summertime (from 17 December 2021 to 11 February 2022) to ensure minimal disruption to businesses along High Street and to the Motueka community.

More about this roundabout project and other safety improvements underway and completed in Motueka here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/tasman-transport-investigations/sh60-motueka-safety-improvements/

In early January, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors will begin installing stormwater infrastructure to support a new roundabout and underpass at the SH3/Princess Street intersection that will be built later in the year.

Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships Linda Stewart says this is a significant milestone for the safety improvement project, which involves building roundabouts at high-risk intersections, the installation of median barriers and other safety improvements.

“We know people will be excited to see major works getting underway on this long-awaited project. The safety improvements planned for this route will significantly reduce deaths and serious injuries on this busy stretch of highway and provide safer access for locals.”

The initial works involve laying a 760m long pipe under the ground alongside SH3 from Manukorihi Soccer fields to Princess Street.

“Waka Kotahi and New Plymouth District Council are working together, with invaluable guidance from our iwi partners, to deliver the new stormwater pipe.

“The new stormwater infrastructure will address current flooding issues around Rahiri and Princess streets in addition to carrying stormwater runoff from the new roundabout at Princess Street when it’s built,” says Ms Stewart.

The work is expected to take about five months with crews on site between 6.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, and some Saturdays when required.

For the safety of those using the road and our road workers, SH3 will be reduced to one lane at the site during work times, with Stop/Go in place, managed by temporary traffic lights.

Light vehicles heading north will be detoured off the state highway through Waitara township, adding about 12 minutes to journeys. Northbound freight and heavy vehicles will continue to use SH3.

All southbound traffic will continue to use SH3 with delays of approximately six minutes.

A number of safety measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of Waitara residents and people using the road while the detour is in place, including temporary speed limits, temporary pedestrian crossings and road markers and bollards to separate and slow traffic.

The detour route will be managed by Waka Kotahi during the works. Motorists are urged to abide by the traffic management in place and be aware of pedestrians and cyclists. 

This project is delivering on New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy, Road to Zero 2020 – 2030, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads by 40 percent over the next decade.

National Journey Manager Helen Harris says traffic is expected to be busy over the Christmas and New Year period, so people should plan ahead and drive to the conditions for a safe and enjoyable journey.

“More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to make sure everyone gets to their destinations safely,” Ms Harris says.

“Before heading off, make sure your car is safe to drive by checking your tyres, lights, indicators, windscreen and wipers are all in good working order. People should also check the weather forecast, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.

“Things can change quickly, so adjust your driving according to the conditions, whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the road.

“Keep speeds down, maintain a safe following distance, and stay alert. Always drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving, if possible.”

Waka Kotahi will pause most road works from December 23 until January 6 to minimise disruption for holiday traffic.

“There will still be temporary speed limits and road cones at the worksites or where there has been recent road resurfacing,” Ms Harris says.

“Please take care when driving through worksites and adhere to the temporary speed limits. Remember, you’re on holiday so there’s no need to rush. Be patient and leave plenty of time for your journey.”

Ms Harris is also reminding motorists to keep the regions tidy this summer by making sure to dispose of litter appropriately.

“Let’s keep Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay beautiful and look after our environment by putting our rubbish in the bin. Use the bins at rest stops along the state highway, or take your rubbish with you and bin it when you get to your destination.

“Not only is illegally-dumped rubbish on the highways an eyesore and potentially dangerous for motorists, the clean-up can put the safety of our road workers at risk and diverts resources away from the important work like fixing potholes, repairing signs and generally keeping our roads safe.

“This is all completely avoidable if everyone cleans up after themselves, so please do the right thing and don’t dump your rubbish on the roads.

“It’s been another long and stressful year, so we hope everyone has a happy holiday and remembers our tips for a safe journey.”

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday:

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush.

Vehicle safety:

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
  • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
  • Lights – check lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
  • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
  • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.

For more information on self-checks, visit our website at nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/choosing-the-right-vehicle/check-your-car-safety-basics/

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

• COVID-19 services update: govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: nzta.govt.nz/traffic/hawkes-bay
• Facebook: facebook.com/WakaKotahiHBG
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCNI
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/hawkes-bay

Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)