State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range links the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. It is known for its steep landscape, unpredictable weather and high crash rate. This trial is the first project of its type in New Zealand and aims to achieve safe and appropriate speeds in adverse conditions.
The summit and eastern and western flanks of SH29 record a high frequency of adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, fog, high winds and ice.
Recent data shows that over 70% of the crashes on the Kaimai Range occur in wet weather, and over 40% of these were caused by drivers driving too fast for the conditions. Despite the changeable weather conditions, a significant number of road users still attempt to travel at 100km/h.
SH29 is a high volume national strategic route. Its safety, efficiency and reliability is important to the economy.
Approximately 9000 vehicles travel over the range daily, including around 1300 heavy vehicles.
This trial is the first project of its type in New Zealand. The aim is to achieve safe and appropriate speeds in adverse conditions. If the trial is successful, and there is a reduction in death and serious injuries within the trial site, it may be rolled out across other similar sites in New Zealand.
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Weather activated variable speed signs will be posted along a 12km stretch of the Kaimai Range between State Highway 28 (SH28) junction on the Waikato side, and Soldiers Road on the Tauranga side.
SH29 Kaimai Eastern Summit –
SH29 Kaimai Eastern –