Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is about to make the Richmond Deviation, in Tasman District, safer. Ahead of the installation of median flexible safety barriers next year, a highway re-seal and wide flush centreline is programmed for early November.
This first stage of work on this part of SH6 will take place on the weekend of 6 and 7 November, or if this is wet, the following weekend 13 and 14 November. The timing means that travellers are less likely to be disrupted than they would if it were to happen on a week day, says Waka Kotahi.
The wide centreline encourages opposing lanes of traffic to be further apart, and aligns with the median barrier installation in early 2022.
Drivers will have a slightly slower trip past the work site over the weekend this work is underway. The separated cycle path, part of the Great Taste Trail, will not be affected.
Median barriers for early 2022
The 1.1km barrier separating opposing traffic lanes will be installed along the middle of the road from just after the Salisbury Road Extension roundabout to just before the 100/50 km/ hour speed threshold near McGlashen Avenue.
It is part of the Waka Kotahi commitment to Road to Zero, New Zealand’s road safety strategy for 2020–2030, says Director of Regional Relationships, Emma Speight. Road to Zero adopts Vision Zero, a vision for Aotearoa where no-one is killed or seriously injured in road crashes, and where no death or serious injury while travelling on our roads is acceptable.
These barriers are suited to New Zealand roads as they are narrow so can often be installed without significant widening of the road, making them a cost effective and efficient way of saving lives. Most importantly, they work. Results show up to a 75% percent reduction in road fatalities wherever they’re installed.
“Safety barriers prevent head-on crashes and therefore make a big difference in reducing potential deaths and injuries if someone makes a mistake,” Ms Speight says.
Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we undertake this important safety improvement.
The benefits of safety barriers
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