The project team meet the locals at Pauatahanui School open days.

Safety comes first in decision to lower speed limit

After careful consideration, the Transport Agency is lowering the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h on a high-risk section of State Highway 58. The change comes into effect on 22 September 2018.

“Since 2008, four people have died and 68 people have been injured, including 15 seriously, in almost 200 crashes on this road. Statistically, this is the Wellington region’s most dangerous road,” says Mark Owen, NZTA’s Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen.

“We aim to make an immediate impact on crash rates by lowering the speed and introducing a package of new safety features.”

“It will only take an additional minute to travel this section of SH58 at 80km/h. That’s a small price to pay for the lives that will be saved.”

“It’s also important to note that Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the Automobile Association, Hutt City Council, Wellington City Council, Porirua City Council, Living Streets Aotearoa and many local residents support the Transport Agency’s decision to lower the speed limit.”

A lower speed limit gives you time to react in an emergency or recover from a mistake. If the worst happens and you do crash, you’re much more likely to walk away if you’re driving at a lower speed.

Lowering the speed limit is part of a broader package of safety improvements planned for the route that includes two new roundabouts, a median barrier, road widening and improved access from side roads and driveways.

"Improving the safety of SH58 is of vital importance to the Wellington Region. It is a critical route which we believe will carry much more traffic in the years ahead, particularly once Transmission Gully opens," says AA Wellington District chairman Michael Gross.

"Lowering the speeds that people are travelling will mean fewer serious accidents, though the AA believes it is important that current plans for a median barrier, wider shoulders and passing lanes are extended to reduce crash risks even further."

New signs will be posted and temporary electronic signage will be in place to remind road users of the new speed limit.

Spring construction to cause traffic delays

We expect to award the contract later this year and begin construction on the safety improvements this spring.

Due to the nature of the work, we anticipate there will be periods of significant delay traveling on SH58 during some construction activities. During these times we may suggest using alternative routes or changing your travel times. Stay up to date on construction activities by reading this newsletter and following us on Twitter and Facebook. Look for updates using #SH58safety.

Construction will begin at the Haywards end of the project and progress toward Bradey Road. The project is expected to be completed in 2020.

More information

For more information on the SH58 improvements project, contact us at sh58safety@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh58-improvements