4 February 2014

Three bridges to be strengthened on SH1 between Tirau and Putaruru for HPMV access

The NZ Transport Agency says work on three bridges along State Highway 1 between Tirau and Putaruru will allow High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) to carry greater volumes of freight mass along this section of highway.

The works will be carried out on the Oraka Stream bridge, just south of Tirau, the Oraka Stream Bridge at the northern entrance to Putaruru and the rail over bridge just south of Putaruru.

The bridge strengthening works form part of a national programme by the Transport Agency aimed at opening up more key HPMV routes.

“Because HPMVs carry more freight per trip, they reduce the number of trips needed to improve productivity and cope with increasing freight volumes,” says Regional Performance Manager, Karen Boyt.

The reduction in travel offers significant commercial advantages – including lower vehicle operating costs, driver hours and fuel – as well as safety benefits from the reduced crash risk that fewer truck trips provide.

“With the potential for productivity gains, industry will invest in newer, safer truck combinations to operate on New Zealand’s state highways and roads. These newer trucks tend to be quieter and cleaner than the vehicles they replace, while the fuel savings mean reduced carbon emissions for each tonne of freight moved,” she says.

Ms Boyt says delays to motorists will be kept to a minimum during this work.

For more information please visit www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS

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