New electronic signs on the Rimutaka Hill will warn other drivers of oncoming large trucks at three tight corners on the Featherston side of State Highway 2.
The new signs are scheduled to be switched on in time for Wellington Anniversary Weekend. NZTA is installing the new electronic truck warning signs on SH2 near Windy Point.
These corners have limited space, and the electronic signs will flash amber and provide early notice of an approaching large and heavy vehicle.
NZTA regional performance manager, Mark Owen says the angle of the corner makes it challenging for larger vehicles such as a heavy truck and trailer combination.
“Giving motorists warning that a truck is approaching means oncoming traffic can slow down and wait for the bigger vehicle to navigate the corner safely,” says Owen.
Solar energy powers the signs and they automatically detect large vehicles.
There are monitoring devices located along the road that detects the height of a vehicle.
As a high-sided vehicles such as a truck and trailer unit passes, the electronic warning sign further up the road flashes to warn oncoming traffic that a large vehicle is approaching the corner.
“This is a simple yet innovative measure that will make it safer to travel over the Rimutakas, and will give peace of mind to motorists and truck drivers,” says Owen.
Road Transport Association Area Executive Sandy Walker welcomes the new devices.
“With operators having to meet static rollover thresholds, it has meant longer and safer vehicles are now required to carry out everyday transport needs for their customers,” says Walker.
“During the initiation phase, the NZ Transport Agency and Road Transport Association worked closely together monitoring vehicle behaviours and carriageway requirements on the three corners of concern,” he says.
“Trial signage and new lane marking have assisted with traffic behaviour; however, electronic signage that is set off by the mass of the vehicle will significantly improve the safety of all motorists on the three corners,” says Walker.
