Motorists travelling on North Canterbury’s State Highway 7 between Waipara and Waikari are advised to expect delays over the coming months as work ramps up on a $3.5 million safety upgrade.
On Monday October 8, from 10am, a section of highway between the SH7/Weka Pass Loop Road intersections (see below) will be closed for up to 10 minutes every half an hour to allow the team to strengthen a retaining wall and do other work. This may continue on Tuesday if required.
The NZ Transport Agency project includes safety barriers to help stop people dying or being seriously injured in a crash, and rumble strips to give drivers a wake-up call if they stray across the centre-line.
New signage to warn drivers of risks such as sharp corners and narrow bridges is being installed, along with other improvements such as wider shoulders, and road markings that are easier to see at night and in the wet.
Transport Agency System Manager Pete Connors says the project is going well, and people will notice a lot of activity over the coming months as the team work to complete the upgrade by early 2019.
“Contractors will be working on a number of sites along the route, widening the shoulders and chip sealing and starting to install safety barriers,” he says.
“Stop/go traffic management and 30km/h speed restrictions will be in place at these sites. Motorists are urged to allow an extra 20 minutes travel time to allow for delays through these sites.”
Mr Connors says contractors will closely monitor traffic to minimise delays, however people should plan ahead allow plenty of extra time to get through Weka Pass on their way to Hanmer, the West Coast or Picton.
“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we continue this work,” Mr Connors says.
“The safety improvements will help ensure that simple mistakes won’t cost lives or leave people seriously injured in the future.”
More information about the SH7 Waipara to Waikari Safety Improvements can be found here: www.nzta.govt.nz/sh7-waipara-to-waikari
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