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News from NZTA Waka Kotahi
A further week of overnight road closures are planned on SH2 at Rimutaka Hill this month to allow for relocation of parking spaces for slow-moving vehicles.
NZTA's Lower North Island/Top of the South regional manager Mark Owen says since introducing the slow vehicle parking spaces in March, NZTA has been monitoring how the changes are working for people driving over the hill.
“We heard from regular users of the hill that the changes were not working as intended, so we took that feedback on board and carried out an independent safety audit of the work that was carried out.”
“The audit recommended several changes to improve traffic flow and safety, including installing additional signage to direct slower drivers to keep to the left and more clearly indicating the length of the slow-vehicle lanes. We are also renaming the lanes to slow-vehicle lanes to more accurately reflect their intended use,” Owen said.
New road markings will also improve lane entry and exit, providing drivers with better visual cues and allowing slower drivers to use the full length of the slow lane to allow other vehicles to pass safely.
Owen said an additional week of overnight closures will be required to complete the additional work.
“This was not part of our original plans for this year and we apologise for any confusion and anxiety the changes introduced this year have caused road users, but we have listened to you and are working hard to make things right.”
“Please be patient as our roadworks crews work hard over the next month to make these changes – it's all about making Rimutaka Hill a safe road for everyone to use,” Mr Owen said.
It is important that drivers are aware of and comfortable with the safety changes being implemented on SH2 at Rimutaka Hill.
In a slow-vehicle lane, slower vehicles must move into the left lane. When using a slow-vehicle lane or an overtaking lane, all drivers are responsible for driving safely and courteously, taking into account relevant factors such as vehicle size, speed, and traffic volume.
In addition to the changes, further education efforts are being rolled out to ensure people understand how to use the slow lanes correctly.
Barrier upgrades and other routine maintenance work will also be carried out using the extra week that the hill closure will be extended.
Important information regarding Rimutaka Hill closures:
Escorted crossings are possible during nighttime road closures but must be booked in advance. We will contact you prior to the planned road closure and provide you with contact details so that you can make an appointment.
Bookings can be made online through Waka Kotahi’s website – Remutaka Hill Closure escort booking form.
Reservations are essential – drivers who turn up without a reservation may be refused entry. If an emergency arises on the day, the Hill Manager will decide how best to handle it.
If we are closed on a Sunday night, bookings close at 4pm the previous Friday. If we are closed on a weekday night, bookings close at 4pm the same day.
The guarded crossing is open to light vehicles only. To ensure the safety of contractors, no larger vehicles are permitted.
Full access to emergency services is available at all times.
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