Making SH16 between Brigham Creek and Waimauku safer

Since our last update our team has been busy working behind the scenes so we can start making Stage Highway 16 (SH16) safer this year. 

We’ve been working through the consenting processes, sorting out construction methods, staging and timing, analysing feedback on the proposed additional features that we talked to you about last year, conducting further technical analysis and reconfirming what land and property is needed.

We acknowledge that this has taken some time and may have been frustrating for many people. We’d now like to update you on progress.

Making your road safer

We’ve split the project into two stages. Stage one runs from Huapai to Waimauku and stage two is between the Brigham Creek roundabout to Kumeu. We’ve prioritised the section between Huapai and Waimauku where half of the crashes were head-on. Work will start on this section while we confirm aspects of the design for stage two.

Stage one between Huapai and Waimauku

The contract for this stage is about to go out for tender and is expected to be awarded in July 2019. This means we plan to start work on making the road safer in the next few months. This will happen after the contractor has worked out the traffic management plan and established a site office, in time for the construction season. The construction season is the time of year when most work is done on the roads (ie early summer to late autumn) when the weather is warmer and there is less rain. Stage one will be constructed over two construction seasons – finishing mid 2021.

Stage one - what we’ve done

• You told us you wanted more places to turn around on the road, so our design team has added more of these. They have also updated the design of the bridges we’re widening.
• We’ve also been preparing to apply for resource consent, as well as finalising the overall design of this stage so it’s ready for the successful construction team.
• We’ve been talking to landowners about how we’ll manage any impacts on their properties.
• Plans have been updated to include the new Wintour Road pedestrian refuge and footpath extension.

Stage two Brigham Creek roundabout to Kumeu

This section has always been programmed as stage two as it is far more complex and has a lower head-on crash rate. With a challenging approval process, this section contains a larger number of significant design changes, resource consents and it includes the new Coatesville-Riverhead Highway roundabout. It also has a much greater number of driveway impacts on landowners who we need to work closely with.

Over the past few months, we’ve also been investigating whether a shared path can be included now, or built later. While decisions and approvals continue behind the scenes, we’re still committed to getting construction started as soon as we can, because we know the community is concerned about safety and congestion on this road. We are now looking at what improvements could be prioritised and bought forward. As soon as we know more, and can confirm next steps, we will update land owners and the wider community.

Turnaround bays – how they work

The section between Huapai and Waimauku is especially dangerous. Half of the crashes were head on, so we’re putting in flexible road safety barriers down the middle of the road to prevent these from happening. When we add median barriers, turnaround bays are installed at various points so drivers can turn around. Take a look at this map to see where you’ll be able to turn around on SH16 once our work is completed. If you’d like to see a recently finished safety project, with turnaround bays, have a look at the below video of the Jary Road turnaround on Waikato’s SH3 Ohaupo to Te Awamutu safety project.

Saving lives is our priority

Most of the deaths on this our roads are caused by head-on collisions or people running off the road and hitting trees, poles or deep ditches. There are ways we can improve the road to prevent crashes like these, and to make sure if a crash happens, people are less likely to be killed or seriously injured.

The Supporting Growth and alternative corridor projects are long-term solutions. We also know we need to get on with making SH16 safer in the short term. Too many people have died or have been seriously injured. The safety treatments we are putting in are proven to help save lives and will make this stretch of state highway safer for everyone.

More information

For more information on the SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku project, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Kathy Chinn, our Community Engagement Manager, on 021 064 4777 or email kathy.chinn@saferoads.co.nz.

Project Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/BC2W