Transit New Zealand
Wellington Regional Office

MEDIA RELEASE
31 May 2005

Construction starts at Otaihanga Road intersection

Transit New Zealand will begin work this week on the upgrade of the Otaihanga intersection on State Highway 1, north of Paraparaumu.

The works will involve a number of safety improvements which include: a safer left- turn bay when travelling from the south into Otaihanga road; an improved acceleration lane when exiting from Otaihanga road to travel north; a wider right- turn lane for southbound motorists and improvements in the quality of lighting and road markings.

Transit road safety engineer Stanley Chesterfield says that although the works don't eliminate the right-turn across SH1, the improved turning bays will heighten the awareness of drivers to look carefully before pulling out onto the highway.

"There have been a number of serious accidents at this intersection due to motorists not paying close attention to oncoming traffic. The new road markings and designated turn bays will assist in making drivers more aware that they need to look carefully and give-way to state highway traffic," he said.

"This section of highway has a large volume of traffic each day and the Otaihanga road is also used as a quick back route to Paraparaumu. Although the works aren't substantial in cost and time, we recognise that the road needed some greater safety measures to help protect motorists who travel on this road," he said.

Transit has appointed Fulton Hogan Contractors to carry out the work. The works are expected to be completed by the end of June 2005.

ENDS

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