Wellington Regional Office Media Release

23 November 2004

Median barrier finished ahead of schedule

Installation of the new 700-metre wire rope median barrier on part of the coastal section of State Highway 1, between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki was completed over the weekend.

Transit’s regional manager, Brian Hasell, said the median barrier was completed last Friday night when the wire ropes were installed, two weeks ahead of schedule.

“We are delighted that work on the barrier has been completed ahead of schedule and without causing any significant delays for road users.”

Mr Hasell said that people would notice new road markings and signage around the site of the barrier. The 80 km/h speed limit will remain in place.

The median barrier is a type that can be dismantled quickly when required by Transit contractors and emergency services staff by unlocking the wires and pulling out the posts so the wire ropes can be driven over.

“Emergency services personnel have had a video demonstration of how the wire rope barrier can be dismantled quickly in an emergency situation. The next step is to give them hands-on training in the field and we will be doing that in the next four weeks,” said Mr Hasell.

Transit Chief Executive Rick van Barneveld said the Transit Board had agreed to request funding immediately to establish a firm estimate for installing a barrier over the remaining four kilometres of the coastal section of Centennial Highway.

“Initial work has shown that it would be feasible to construct a barrier but more work is required to allow a firm proposal to be considered by the Board,” he said.

ENDS

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