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