Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
It is part of ongoing work in the region to provide safer crossings in local towns. Raised crossings have already been built in Carterton, Featherston, and Masterton.
Locations of current and proposed pedestrian crossing improvements:
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the new Featherston crossing is just one of five being built over the coming months.
“Contractors will start the Featherston crossing this coming Sunday night and will be onsite until 21 November. But more new crossings are planned for High Street in Masterton, and in Greytown and Carterton before the end of the year. Two more are planned for Chapel Street in Masterton next year.”
Mr Owen says raised crossings are much safer, not just for pedestrians but also for drivers.
“They are brighter, bigger, bolder, and more visible to road users. They have more room and width for pedestrians and cyclists. This makes them much easier to use for people with restricted mobility.”
“We know some people do worry about raised crossings. However, they are designed to be easy to drive over. While they will slow traffic down, this is all part of the safety approach. Slower speeds mean there is less risk of injury or death to crossing users if there is a collision. Slowing down for a pedestrian crossing is a small price to pay for keeping pedestrians safe,” Mr Owen says.
Construction has been timed to happen at night when fewer vehicles are on the road to ensure road users are affected as little as possible. However, there will need to be some intersection closures for local roads while the work is underway. This is because the works will create an uneven road surface, which could pose risks to vehicles and drivers.
Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance want to thank residents and drivers for their patience and cooperation while these crucial safety improvements are built.
SH2 Featherston works schedule:
- Sunday, 12 November to Tuesday 21 November. Sunday-Thursday nights, 6 pm – 6 am.
- Stop/Go traffic management on SH2. Drivers can expect short delays.
- Birdwood St intersection closed Monday, 13 November to Tuesday, 14 November. 6 am – 6 pm. Local road detours available.
- Lyon St intersection closed Wednesday, 15 November to Thursday, 16 November, 6 am – 6 pm. Local road detours available.
Further details about these works and other Wairarapa State Highway 2 safety improvements can be found on the Waka Kotahi website:
