Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Anyone who travels our state highways regularly would have noticed trucks with flashing lights, directional signage and large, boxy back ends on Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency worksites.
These are attenuator trucks, and they are there to keep everyone safe, Bay of Plenty System Manager, Roger Brady says.
“An attenuator truck has a protective cushion device on the back designed to reduce injuries and save the lives of motorists and construction workers in the event of a collision at a work site.
“They are designed to absorb a colliding vehicle’s kinetic energy to bring it to a stop safely. With no attenuator, a vehicle striking a rigid roadside object will stop suddenly, causing anyone inside to collide with the interior of the vehicle, possibly suffering severe internal injuries and even death.
“By safely dissipating the vehicle’s kinetic energy, attenuators prevent such injuries,” Mr Brady says.
“You will see attenuator trucks parked in front of fixed and temporary structures at road construction projects on highways and when setting up or dismantling temporary traffic management.
“They may also be designed to redirect the vehicle away from the hazard or away from construction machinery and workers.
“As always, the safety of our workers and road users remains our priority.”
This is what you can expect to see on your journey between Waihī and Tauranga this week:
Ongoing safety improvement works (between 7am-6pm)
- Athenree Road to Tanners Point Road – road widening works continue throughout the week. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.
- Hikurangi Road to Tuapiro Road – Lane shifts for retaining wall construction. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.
- Rea Road / Tetley Road intersection – preparation works for the roundabout construction are ongoing. Expect minor delays of about five minutes particularly on the side roads.
- Lund Road to Aongatete Road – road widening, earthworks, drainage and service relocation works continue with a focus on the Wright Road intersection. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.
- Wainui River Bridge to south of Sargent Drive – road widening works continue throughout the week. Expect minor delays of one to two minutes.
Takitimu North Link enabling works, ecological and environmental investigations continuing:
- Wairoa Road (off SH2) – Service relocations underway and continuing until mid-March, Stop/Go traffic management will be in place.
In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, works may be postponed.
People are advised to keep an eye on the Waka Kotahi Waikato/BOP Facebook page (link below) for any changes to major planned works and check the interactive Journey Planner website for the latest information on roadworks, traffic, road closures and detours before you travel.
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
