New Zealand Transport Agency gives an update on public feedback its plans to improve the safety of SH 23. NZTA say they’ve been working our way through feedback given to them by the community from the two open days, and online responses. They say they’ve also listened to community organisations and special interest groups both locally and nationally.
NZTA say they know this is an important road for local residents, commuters, and tourists and the number of motorists on this highway is increasing. NZTA’s job is to implement safety features that make this road safer for everyone. The current focus is the Waitetuna to Raglan section of the highway and we are aiming to start construction this summer (2016/17).
Although a lot of the improvements should be completed this summer, there will be more work happening later in 2017.
Passing opportunities
Many people expressed a desire for more passing opportunities. NZTA say passing lanes and longer slow vehicle bays are expensive to build and won’t save a lot of travel time on this highway. Evidence on other similar highways does not show major safety gains from passing lanes. Although NZTA acknowledge they can alleviate some frustration. Therefore, we are not considering these treatments as part of this project. NZTA are continuing to explore providing formalised pullover areas. If this option is feasible, these areas would be signposted in advance to encourage slower vehicles to use them.
Speed Management on SH23
There were a range of responses to the topic of speed management on this highway. Some people supported lowering the existing 100km/h speed limit on some parts of SH23 but most of you want the 100km/h speed limit retained. There was support for an 80km/h speed limit past Greenslade Road, on the approach into Raglan. Our analysis supports this and, subject to formal consultation, this will be implemented. NZTA may come back to the community in the future about how speed is managed on State Highway 23.
Improving the road for cyclists
NZTA are improving safety for cyclists by providing a 1.5m sealed shoulder in front of new side safety barriers. They are also widening the shoulder to one metre in some other locations, particularly on curves. However, they are not widening the shoulder over the full length of the road.
Improving intersections
A lot of people provided feedback on safety at intersections. This is what NZTA are proposing for the section of the road between Cogswell Road and Raglan:
- Waitetuna Valley Road: Resurface the intersection and SH23 curve with high friction asphalt surfacing
- Okete Road (east) at Te Uku: Provide a wide flush median to make it safer for traffic to turn right into Okete Road where the Te Uku School, the store and café are located
- Te Mata Road: Trim back the roadside banks to increase visibility to the east
- Greenslade Road: These are plans to relocate this intersection 200m closer to Raglan as part of the Lorenzen Bay development. Our proposal to lower the speed limit, along with improved signs and road markings, which will improve safety in the immediate future.
NZTA are still looking at intersections on the other sections of the road between Hamilton and Waitetuna.
Safety for motorcyclists
Innovative safety rails especially designed to protect motorcyclists if they crash will be installed on some sections of the highway. The motorcyclist protection system reduces deaths and serious injuries by redirecting the rider along the barrier and away from the guardrail posts if they come off their motorbike. NZTA are also sealing back some accesses to prevent loose stones on the road.
