Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is redesigning planned safety improvements along a 7.5km stretch of SH1 near Waipū, based on local knowledge received during engagement with the community.
The project will improve safety for road users through the use of flexible median barriers, shoulder widening, side safety barriers, rumble strips and a wide centre line. Improvements will also be made at four high-risk intersections including Uretiti Road, Nova Scotia Drive/Rosythe Road, Shoemaker Road and The Braigh/Millbrook Road.
In 2021, the community provided extensive feedback on the preliminary designs, with over 1,000 responses received in total.
Stephen Collett, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Northland and Auckland at Waka Kotahi said the proposals have been redesigned as a result.
“The community told us they mostly supported the safety improvements at the four high-risk intersections, however a large number of people also suggested alternative designs that focused on the rural nature of the area, holiday congestion and emergency routes.
“As promised, we have listened, taken this local knowledge on board, and are using it to inform the redesigned proposals for the Waipū area.
“While the revised plans aren’t yet finalised, key changes were shared with the Waipū Residents and Ratepayers Association last week and received a positive response from those who attended,” said Mr Collett.
Key changes include:
The revised proposals will be released to the wider community in the coming weeks.
The Whangārei to Wellsford Safety Improvements project aims to make this busy stretch of SH1 in Northland safer and more reliable for locals, commuters, and visitors. Ultimately, the improvements, that form part of Road to Zero - Aotearoa’s road safety strategy - look to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.
