Wellington Regional Office
Media Release for Immediate Use

23 July 2004

New Concrete Barrier For Gorge

Construction of the new concrete median barrier in Ngauranga Gorge has started after the arrival of special concrete pouring equipment from Auckland.

Transit New Zealand is replacing a section of the existing steel median barrier with a stronger version in order to prevent any heavy vehicles that may hit the barrier from crashing through to the other side of the highway.

While the construction is underway, the speed limit in the gorge has been reduced to 50kph to ensure motorists’ and workers’ safety.

“Some people maybe tempted to ignore the temporary warning signs and continue to drive at normal speeds, especially since work is only being carried out at night,” said safety engineer Stanley Chesterfield.

“We can not emphasise enough, however, that they should stick to the speed limit at all times, regardless of whether there are workers on site.”

Police say more than 60,000 motorists use Ngauranga Gorge each day so patrols will be regularly in the area while the road works are in progress.

“It’s important for the safety of contractors and other road users that drivers at all times keep their speeds down and watch their following distances,” said Inspector John McClelland, Wellington District road policing manager.

The work is due to be completed by the end of August.

ENDS

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