Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking community feedback on a 14.2km median barrier option for State Highway 2 between Tetley Road and Esdaile Road, south of Katikati.
Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Jo Wilton says consultation at this stage is really important to the next steps.
“We want to hear from the people who live alongside and regularly use this section of road to inform how we might shape a median barrier,” says Ms Wilton.
Between 2009 and 2018, 25 people lost their lives and 66 were seriously injured along this stretch of rural highway. Most of these accidents were caused by head-on collisions, crashes at intersections, and people running off the road and hitting trees, poles or deep ditches.
“We’re making good progress with the planned safety improvements with over nine kilometres of flexible barrier and seven kilometres of guardrail (W-section barrier) in place along the roadsides. We now have the opportunity to design median barrier and roundabouts.
“A median barrier physically separates opposing traffic and helps to prevent vehicles travelling into opposing traffic lanes. Flexible road safety barriers catch vehicles before they hit something less forgiving – like a pole, tree or oncoming car,” says Ms Wilton.
Safe turnaround areas will be considered as part of the detailed design phase. If a median barrier was installed, the likely option would be a single lane roundabout, sized to accommodate a large truck. Approximately five roundabouts would need to be constructed for a median barrier of 14.2km.
“We’ve extended the survey period to Friday 21 May to give people more opportunity to tell us what they think. Thank you to those who have already provided feedback. We look forward to keeping you informed of progress with the median barrier option,” says Ms Wilton.
How you can have your say?
How do median barriers work?
A median barrier physically separates opposing traffic and helps to prevent vehicles travelling into opposing traffic lanes. Flexible road safety barriers catch vehicles before they hit something less forgiving – like a pole, tree or oncoming car. When a vehicle hits a flexible barrier, the steel cables flex, slowing down the vehicle and keeping it upright. The barriers absorb the impact of the crash and reduce the risk of injury. This is a cost-effective infrastructure treatment that can reduce the deaths and injuries in crashes by 75 percent.
