24 November 2005

Transit New Zealand Wellington Regional Office

Green light for extension of Centennial Highway median barrier

Transit New Zealand welcomes the announcement made by Land Transport New Zealand today, that construction funding for the extension of the wire rope median barrier along Centennial Highway, has been approved.

An application for funding was made by the Transit New Zealand Board last month for $15.2 million for the extension of the barrier from the Fisherman's Table Restaurant to Pukerua Bay.

Transit New Zealand regional manager Graham Taylor said the approval of funding was fantastic news for the Wellington region.

"Consultation on the proposed option is already underway and with the announcement today, we can get started quickly on the detailed design of the project.

"All going well, construction of the barrier would start early 2006 and take 10-12 months to complete," he said

The proposed option includes constructing a 10.1m wide carriageway with new wire rope barrier along the full length of the highway, between the Fisherman's Table Restaurant and Pukerua Bay. The road width may be narrowed in some critical locations.

Mr Taylor said that there had been ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders on widening the inland side of the road to accommodate the barrier due to the narrow corridor along the coast and there would be further discussions now that the project could progress.

"The extension of the wire-rope median barrier is a very worthwhile safety project and we are delighted to have the green light to start construction," he said.

This vital project had immense value in safety terms and the decision to fund it was separate from the current debate on the Western Corridor route said Mr Taylor.

ENDS

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