MEDIA RELEASE

TRANSIT NEW ZEALAND WELLINGTON REGIONAL OFFICE

7 March 2008

Road users advised of 70km/h speed restriction at MacKays Crossing

Transit New Zealand is advising road users that minimal delays are anticipated this weekend as a result of this week’s MacKays Crossing roadworks, but that a 70km/h speed restriction will be in place.

Transit Regional Manager Graham Taylor says the roadworks are continuing well and the speed restriction is required as there will not be any road markings in place until next week and it’s appropriate for the current surface.

“This slightly slower speed is for safety purposes, but we are working towards having the road back up to its full limit soon.”

Mr Taylor says that one lane of traffic in each direction will be open over the crossing itself this weekend, but both southbound lanes will be opened for the Monday morning peak period. If required, they can be opened on Sunday evening to accommodate higher volumes of traffic. This is not expected to create major delays for road users travelling over the weekend.

Next week, sealing will begin at the MacKays Crossing site from Monday with work scheduled to happen between 9.00am and 4.00pm as previously advised.

Traffic will be managed with temporary lane diversions when the two-lane section of the site is sealed with some minimal delays possible. Transit will advise on when these are likely next week.

During the day a temporary speed restriction of 30km/h through parts of the two-lane section will be required, but once the chip has settled and road marking has been finished this restriction will be progressively lifted during the week. The minimum speed restriction on this part of the site will be 50km/h after 4.00pm to ensure traffic flows during the peak traffic period.

Both northbound lanes will be opened fully without speed restrictions by the end of next week.

Mr Taylor says Transit will advise motorists on any changes to the road that may impact on their travel through the site, however, it is expected that the remainder of the work will run smoothly, similar to that of the recent Otaki sealing that proved so successful. He pointed out that this type of work is always dependent on good weather meaning any changes to rain would require the work to be postponed to the next fine day.

A further and final seal of the area will be completed after the Easter holiday break concluding all work to the MacKays Crossing Project.

Transit thanks you for your patience while we improve your journey.

ends

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