Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
New median barriers installed on the State Highway 60 Ruby Bay Bypass are proving their worth.
Earlier this year, new safety measures were put in place on the highway between Dominion Road and Harley Road. This work also included the construction of a new right-turn bay for traffic at the Tasman View Road intersection.
Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South, says the barriers have prevented head-on crashes.
“Since they were installed in June, they’ve been hit five times. That’s five potential head-on collisions prevented.”
“They’re doing exactly what they’re designed to do. Reducing the risk of serious crashes and keeping people safe,” Mr Service says.
However, he says the barriers damaged by these crashes must be repaired.
“They need to be fixed so they can keep doing their job, which requires a road closure. We realise closures are disruptive, but this is the best option. Remember, closures for serious and fatal accidents are far worse, and that’s what we want to avoid.”
From 3 November to 7 November, the Ruby Bay Bypass will be closed nightly between 7 pm and 5 am to fix the barriers.
Mr Service says contractors will make the most of the closure to complete other road repairs and install new safety improvements.
“Contractors will conduct reseals where we have widened road shoulders and added the new right turn bay. It’s about making the road more waterproof and more resilient.”
“They’ll also look to install new rumble strips – Audio Tactile Profile (ATP) road markings – which alert drivers with an audible and tactile warning when drivers drive over them. Mr Service says.
Local road detours will be available while the highway is closed. People travelling between Motueka and Richmond/Nelson must detour via Mapua Drive, Stafford Drive and Aporo Road. Road users should allow an extra 10 minutes for their journeys.
Residents needing to access Gardner Valley Road or Tasman View Road will need to use Dominion Road or Harley Road. Residents needing access to Stagecoach Road and Chaytor Road must use Seaton Valley Road.
Works Schedule and Detour Routes:
- Sunday, 3 November to Thursday, 7 November. 7 pm – 5 am
- SH60 Ruby Bay Bypass closed overnight between Dominion Road and Harley Road
- Local road detours available:
- People travelling between Motueka and Richmond/Nelson must detour via Mapua Drive, Stafford Drive and Aporo Road.
- Residents needing to access Gardner Valley Road or Tasman View Road will need to use Dominion Road or Harley Road. Residents needing access to Stagecoach Road and Chaytor Road must use Seaton Valley Road.
More Information:
- Research shows median barriers virtually eliminate head-on crashes and reduce deaths and serious injuries from run-off-road crashes by around 40 to 50 percent.
- Head-on crashes are the leading cause of death on state highways and account for approximately half of all deaths recorded. Safety barriers offer a second chance. They help reduce the chance of a simple mistake costing lives and destroying families.
- Useful Links
- State Highway Summer Maintenance information
