Work to install flexible median barriers and six intersections between Tetley and Esdaile roads will soon begin on State Highway 2.

Waka Kotahi Transport Agency's director of regional relationships David Speirs says the majority of deaths and injuries can be avoided by making relatively simple, yet effective changes to this section of road.

"There are many reasons crashes happen and we need a mix of solutions that all work together to keep people safe. We need everyone making safe choices, in safe vehicles, on safe roads and travelling at safe speeds."

David says work to improve this 40km corridor, including road and shoulder widening, installing a wide centreline, roadside safety barriers in high-risk areas, and intersection improvements, has been underway since 2019.

He says the safety of the road will now be boosted further with the addition of the new safety improvements, which are part of our Road to Zero strategy.

"We know there is a lot to do across this stretch of SH2 and we cannot do it all at once. This rapidly growing region is undergoing significant investment, and it will take us time to implement all that is needed.

"It is great to have confirmed funding for this additional infrastructure that will undoubtedly save lives and build on the work being done along this corridor and we know this is already making a difference to local people.

"The reason the flexible median barrier is important along this stretch is because head-on crashes make up 32 per cent of the deaths and serious injuries on SH2.

"Flexible median barriers are the safest barrier if someone hits them. If something goes wrong, flexible barriers will catch the vehicle and prevent a crash into an on-coming vehicle."

David says modelling tells them that installing flexible median barrier will reduce these events by a massive 72 per cent.

People will start to see activity at the Rea Road/Tetley Road intersection, south of Katikati before the end of February.

A roundabout will be constructed here and is part of the original project scope.

A second roundabout at Morton Road intersection is in the design stage and construction is expected to begin mid-2022.

David says the team is now working through programming for the remaining roundabouts at Sharp Road, Lockington/Matahui Roads, Apata Station Road and Esdaile/Pahoia Roads.

The inclusion of flexible median barrier was proposed early on as a safety enhancement to the current widening works and has undergone several stages of public consultation.

"We have heard the underlying concern from residents around journey inconvenience, as well as feedback about how much safer they now feel because of the widening works.

"A median barrier will mean people may not be able to make a right turn from their driveways or side road. Yes, this is inconvenient, although safety for everyone remains our priority."

Road closure at Rea Road/Tetley Road – mid-February for eight weeks

A roundabout will be built at the intersection of SH2 and Rea Road/Tetley Road, about 2.5km south of Katikati.

This will be a four-leg, 38m diameter with slow vehicle passing bays on exit of SH2 north and south.

"Constructing a roundabout on an operational highway is a challenging task. We will keep traffic moving, although there will be some inconvenience.

'As part of this work, a section of Tetley Road, including the SH2 intersection, will be closed between SH2 and Rereatukahia Pā Road for approximately eight weeks between mid-February and mid-April 2022.

"People wanting to access Tetley Road during this time will detour through Marshall Road in Katikati. The route will be sign posted and additional travel time is estimated to be one to two minutes."

A map of the corridor and intersections . Image: NZTA.

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