Masterton to Carterton safety improvements update

This is our first Masterton to Carterton safety improvements update, and we’ll continue to communicate our work plans and useful information to you throughout the construction period. If you know anyone who might be interested in these updates, they can sign up on this webpage here.

Higgins contractors start early investigation works

Last month we appointed Higgins Contractors who’ll be delivering this major safety improvement project for State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton.

The Higgins team is looking forward to breaking ground with the plan to start the main physical construction works in August.

The first stage of preliminary investigations, ’Early works’ is under way this month.

This investigation work includes:

• topographical surveying
• geotechnical investigations
• soakage tests, and
• locating underground utilities and services.

Higgins have been working diligently on the traffic management plans. Top of mind is keeping the construction staff and the road users safe, as well as moving traffic efficiently and safely throughout the project period.

This safety improvement project is contributing to New Zealand’s road safety strategy Road to Zero. The philosophy of Road to Zero is that drivers are human. Humans make mistakes, but if you make a mistake while driving, it shouldn’t be fatal for you, your passengers or anyone else on the road around you.

Notice of roadworks - Sunday 22 May 2022

As part of our current preliminary work on the SH2 Masterton to Carterton Safety Improvements Project we'll be starting with nightshift trenching for the relocation of overhead power cables.

Work involves - Trenching across SH2 between Carterton & Masterton relocating overhead powerlines to underground.

When - Starting from Sunday night 22 May 2022 for a period of approximately six weeks.

Start & finish - This work will take place during night hours between 7:00pm & 5:30am.

Weather - In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances the work may be delayed until fine weather next permits it.

Possible impacts - The work will be undertaken at night to minimise inconvenience to travellers and the public.

We foresee that there will be minimum impact and disruption to the non-travelling public, whilst for travellers it may add approximately 5 minutes to your journey.

Safety

• Traffic management will be in place for public safety and the safety of our workers
• Temporary speed restrictions will be implemented
• Traffic management signage & cones will be on display at the work site
• Normal construction safety measures will be in place
• SH2 will be reinstated to trafficable condition by the end of each shift

Please proceed carefully through and around the works, and adhere to the traffic signs and cones.

We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused during this time.

We'll be in contact to give you updates on how the work may affect you. For further information or if you have any specific queries you can touch base with us on 0800353824.

For more information and regular updates on this project visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/sh2-wairarapa

Kia ora, kia haumaru (Be safe, be well)

The Higgins project team: James Taylor (project director), Alan Kirby (senior project engineer), Sam Wheelhouse (senior site supervisor), Stuart Whyte (HSE advisor), and Josh Smith (site engineer).

Message from the Higgins project team

The Higgins team is based on-site, with offices being established for this project at 70 Norfolk Road.

We're passionate about this project. We too have experienced the need for these safety improvements – not only for our business operations but for our staff travelling on the highway.

We will work with Waka Kotahi and endeavour to communicate our work plans to you well in advance. However, sometimes we may need to alter the plan at short notice. When this happens, we’d like to let you know as soon as possible. We’ll be contacting you to find out how you prefer to receive communications from us.

More information

For more information on the SH2 Masterton to Featherston project, visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh2-wairarapa