Wed, 29 Sep 2004

* Centennial Highway Median Barrier Could Have Some Bad Consequences*

The Centennial Highway median barrier could have some unexpected consequences, said Porirua City Councillor Robert Shaw.

Cr Shaw is the Porirua City Representative on the Regional Land Transport Committee. He said the barrier will in effect reduce the access to and from Wellington to one "single tunnel-like lane".

"If a car or truck stops in that lane, vehicles will immediately back up for miles."

"The ability of authorities to deal with breakdowns and accidents will be much reduced and the delays caused by accidents will be extended."

"The barrier is likely to demonstrate to everyone how necessary it is to build the Transmission Gully road."

"Transit has until recently been very much opposed to barriers on Centennial Highway because of the problems they might create when there are accidents."

Cr Shaw said one major concern is that many thousands of people will be cut off from the Newtown hospital if there is any sort of problem on the road.

"It is likely that ambulances will more frequently be going to Palmerston North because of the barriers."

"For all that, I welcome then because it is necessary to reduce fatal accidents. However, it is foolish to think they are anything other than another expedient solution to an immediate problem."

ENDS

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