Transit New Zealand 6 October 2005

Wellington Region Media Release

Transit supports funding application for Centennial Highway median barrier extension

The Transit New Zealand Board has agreed to seek funding from Land Transport New Zealand to extend the wire rope median barrier along the full length of Centennial Highway to Paekakariki. The application for funding is expected to go to the November meeting of the Land Transport NZ Board.

"The Board had to consider carefully the value of this work compared to other stretches of highway with a high accident rate. This new section will cost $4.6 million per kilometre due to the need to widen the road compared to less than $1 million for the existing 700-metre section," said Transit regional manager Graham Taylor.

On balance, because of the severe nature of accidents on Centennial Highway and that the life of the barrier would be around 10 years even with the current plans for consultation on development of Centennial Highway, the Board supported it as a very worthwhile safety project he said.

The construction cost is $14.5 million and work is ready to start as soon as funds have been approved.

A construction start was dependent on ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders on widening the hill side of the road said Mr Taylor.

ENDS

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