With the imminent launch of Wellington’s smart motorway, the NZ Transport Agency is holding two open days where members of the public can ask questions of the project team.
The smart motorway will operate from Johnsonville and Petone to the Terrace Tunnel using variable speed limits, which adjust in real time in response to changing traffic conditions, pacing vehicles to smooth the traffic flow.
Transport Agency Wellington highway manager Neil Walker says members of the project team will be onsite to meet the public and answer queries at the Johnsonville Mall between 10 am and 1 pm on Saturday 7 May, and from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday 12 May.
“As the first smart motorway in New Zealand, it will present a different driving environment. The main difference is that drivers might see the speed limit change more frequently than in the past,” he says.
“Other changes include two new emergency stopping areas, and increased communication to drivers via the new overhead electronic message and lane control signs,” says Walker.
NZTA says the smart motorway will work best when drivers adhere to the speeds and road instructions on the variable message signs, minimise lane changing, and merge like a zip.
The last weeks of construction include resealing the motorway between Aotea and Ngauranga.
The other big piece of work near completion is the upgrade of the State Highway 2 off-ramp at Ngauranga.
“The off-ramp will be closed overnight between 10 pm, and 5 am on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 May for finishing touches,” says Walker.
“This includes installing signs, completing the new barrier and repairs to underground cables,” he says.
“People wanting to exit State Highway 2 during these closures times will need to carry on up State Highway 1, exit at Hawkestone St, turn right onto Tinakori Road and travel along the Hutt Road towards their destination,” says Walker.
