SH58 safety improvements

State Highway 58 is a regional route providing critical east-west access from State Highway 2 to State Highway 1 and is key to the region’s state highway network. Over 19,000 vehicles travel this highway daily. It is narrow and windy with many unprotected roadside hazards.

Safety improvements have already been made between Western Hutt Road (State Highway 2) to Mount Cecil Road. Construction of improvements are now underway between Mount Cecil Road and Harris Road. Thank you for your patience and driving with care through the area while this work is being done.

With this work now well underway, we are turning our focus to the next stage of safety improvements along SH58 between Harris Road and the new Transmission Gully interchange. The improvements in this area (see map below) will include: 

• roundabouts at the Moonshine Road and the Murphys/Flightys Road intersections
• widening the road, adding sealed shoulders and side barriers
• installing median barriers for the entire length of the road.

SH58 safety improvements map [PDF, 617 KB] 

We are investigating whether some work can be brought forward, by seeking early approvals for road widening and safety barriers between Harris Road and  east of Moonshine Road. 

The roundabouts will require more complex approvals, and some additional land to be purchased. We expect to lodge applications for planning approvals late this year and start construction in 2023 if consents are approved.

Background

Over 19,000 vehicles travel State Highway 58 (SH58) daily, but its current geometry and roadside hazards are contributing factors to many of the high severity crashes in recent years. Its 5-year crash history includes 10 serious or fatal crashes. These incidents also cause travel time reliability problems from crash related delays and closures of the road.

In recent years there have been rounds of consultation with the community and other stakeholders and this has led to expanding the scope of road safety work on SH58 to achieve greater safety outcomes than originally proposed.

In 2018 the speed limit was lowered from 100km/h to 80km/h. We’re already seeing positive results with a reduction in the speed being travelled by the fastest motorists, while the average speeds across the route have been maintained at just under 80km/h. We also addressed some of the high-risk curves west of Mt Cecil Rd, by straightening them and installing a median barrier.

Initially there was only funding available from the National Land Transport Fund for the Stage 1 safety improvements and the design and consenting for Stage 2. Following feedback from the community, we also funded some interim safety measures in the Stage 2 area. These measures included new line marking, improved lighting, electronic speed indicator devices and larger signage.

In January 2020, the SH58 Stage 2 safety improvements were announced as part of the Government’s multi-billion NZ Upgrade Programme (NZUP). In June 2021, the Government reconfirmed its support for the direction and funding commitment to deliver the NZ Upgrade Programme, providing certainty for the delivery of the SH58 Safety Improvements project. The estimated $105 million investment recognises the importance of road safety and the key role of SH58 in the continued growth of the Greater Wellington region.

Phases for highway improvements

Cost and funding source