Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
The state highway summer maintenance season will be making its mark on the Kāpiti Coast next month.
The Raumati Straights on State Highway 1, north of Mackays crossing, will undergo significant improvements from Sunday, 3 November, until early December.
The work is funded from a $278 million investment in Wellington’s state highways in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. $162 million will be invested in maintaining state highway assets, and another $116 million is ringfenced for state highway pothole prevention.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Transport Alliance Manager, says the Raumati Straights rebuild is critical, given this section of the highway carries over 20,000 vehicles daily.
“The road is in poor condition and needs attention. We will rebuild two kilometres of the left northbound lane. This will make people’s journeys smoother and safer.”
Ms Hilliard says a rebuild of this size and duration means some traffic delays are likely.
“However, the investment we are making now will mean less maintenance and fewer repairs in the future.”
Ms Hilliard says road crews will do their best to minimise disruption as much as possible.
“This is why we are doing the work at night when traffic volumes are lower and will keep a single northbound lane open. Southbound lanes will be open as normal.”
“During the day, both northbound lanes will be open but under a temporary speed limit. This protects the road work site, keeps drivers safe, and prevents vehicle damage. So, drivers must obey the speed limits and traffic management in place,” Ms Hilliard says.
Works schedule and location:
- Sunday, 3 November to Thursday, 6 December. Sunday to Thursday nights, 9 pm to 4:30 am (these works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change)
- SH1 Raumati Straights between the Paekākāriki interchange and Raumati South
- Northbound will be down to one lane at night under a temporary speed limit
- During the day, both northbound lanes will be open under a temporary speed limit.
- The southbound lanes will be open at all times
- Traffic management will be set up from 8pm, so drivers may experience delays from then. Two lanes will be open again by 5.30am
