Safety improvements on State Highway 2 between Pokeno to Mangatarata are being investigated by the NZ Transport Agency.
Known as the Safe System Corridor Project the Transport Agency says the investigation aims to identify what safety improvements are required along this section of SH2 to reduce the number of serious and fatal crashes caused by head-on and run-off-road impact, and to make the intersections safer.
Two sections of SH2 are being investigated - known as the Western and Eastern sections - in the last 10 years there have seen 214 crashes in these two sections. Fifteen of those were fatal, and 16 involved serious injuries. Most of the fatal and serious crashes were caused by vehicles crossing the centreline or running off the road.
The 7.4km Western Section is from the SH1 intersection at Pokeno to the Mangatawhiri Stream Bridge. The Eastern Section is 9.5km long and runs from Monument Road to the intersection with SH25.
“The project aims to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries by creating a more forgiving environment,’’ says Transport Agency’s acting highways manager Michelle Te Wharau.
In December 2011 the speed limit was reduced from 100km/h to 90km/h for much of the Maramarua Highway up to the SH25 turnoff. Average daily traffic counts are around 13,000 and soar to 24,000 at peak holiday times.
The key objectives for this Safe System project are to:
“The project teams have just begun their work and will seek feedback from stakeholders and the people who live, work and travel along SH2,” says Mrs Te Wharau.
“As more detailed options are developed we will seek direct feedback from any affected residents and landowners.”
A public Open Day will be held towards the end of May/early June this year, says Mrs Te Wharau.
“Also along the Maramarua Highway, the Transport Agency aims to begin construction of a three-leg roundabout at the intersection of SH2/25 later this year.”
Also other works as part of this project include the realignment of SH2 at Kopuku which is in investigation stage and the Maramarua Deviation is in design stage. Investigation for passing lanes at Mangatarata is also nearing completion.
For further information about this project go to www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/maramaruahighway(external link). Attached is a map of the SH2 highway being investigated as part of this project and what safety improvements have been undertaken in the past.
For more information please contact:
Glenda Dobbyn
Media Manager
Engagement and Communications
NZ Transport Agency
T: 07 928 7908
M: 027 021 67217
E: glenda.dobbyn@nzta.govt.nz
