Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
State Highway 1 Transmission Gully will be fully open this weekend, with a planned southbound road closure now postponed by one week.
The next southbound closure will be in place between 10 am Friday, 28 November and 4:30 am Monday, 1 December.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South says there has been a full review of what happened last weekend and how it affected the public.
“We realise the congestion on Sunday afternoon and evening caused lengthy delays and frustration for drivers. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
“We are working through the key causes of last weekend’s problems so that we can make improvements. While the work we have planned this summer will be disruptive and cause delays, we want to minimise it as much as possible,” Mr Owen says.
He says revised plans are being developed and the public will be updated soon on expected improvements to reduce congestion and delays on the State Highway 59 detour route.
“Works continue throughout the summer period, so people must prepare for delays to travel in the upcoming months. Currently, there are lane closures in place in both northbound and southbound directions, and these will be in place 24/7 until mid-February, weather permitting.”
We want to return the road to full operation as soon as we can. This is so it is ready for expected peak traffic volumes immediately before Christmas,” Mr Owen says.
Contractors backfilling concrete next to the southbound lane after drainage has been installed.
Travel advice for the week ahead
Mr Owen says Friday afternoon northbound traffic will be congested on Transmission Gully during peak hour, so where possible, people should try to travel earlier or later in the afternoon and evening.
“On Saturday, there is a Wellington Phoenix game scheduled, so people should be prepared for delays on Saturday afternoon heading into Wellington city.”
“With Metlink bus replacements in place for the Kāpiti rail line on Sunday, people can also expect more traffic than normal,” Mr Owen says.
He also says people must be aware that Sunday afternoon is typically a busy time for southbound traffic, particularly around Raumati.
“We expect southbound traffic in the morning peak to be congested, as well as northbound traffic in the afternoon peak, Monday to Friday.”
“Please follow the posted speed limits, merge like a zip and be patient with other drivers and the crews on site,” Mr Owen says.
State Highway 59 remains a recommend alternative route while work on Transmission Gully continues. Drivers are encouraged to check Journey Planner regularly for information before they travel and follow NZTA/Waka Kotahi social media channels for updates.
Upcoming work schedule
- 10 am Friday, 28 November, to 4:30 am Monday, 1 December.
- SH1 Transmission Gully CLOSED southbound between Mackays Interchange and Linden.
- Detour via SH59.
- Northbound lane closures will also be in place on the route.
- 4:30 am Monday. 1 December to 10 am Friday, 5 December.
- North and southbound lane closures will be in place.
- Friday, 5 December to Monday, 8 December.
- SH1 Transmission Gully will be CLOSED in either the northbound or southbound direction.
- Details will be confirmed ahead of time.
- Detour via SH59.
- 4 am Monday, 8 December to 10 am Friday, 12 December.
- North and southbound lane closures will be in place
- Friday, 12 December to Monday, 15 December.
- SH1 Transmission Gully CLOSED northbound.
- Details will be confirmed ahead of time.
- Detour via SH59.
- There will be no planned roadworks along Transmission Gully during the Christmas/New Year moratorium period. This runs from 4 pm 19 December, until 9 am Monday, 5 January. Transmission Gully will be fully open during this time.
- Roadworks will resume in early January, and schedules will be shared with the public before they begin.
