Truck drivers are benefiting from the NZ Transport Agency’s completed safety improvements project on State Highway 22 at the intersection of Paerata Road and Crown Road.
The project has upgraded the intersection, providing significant safety benefits to trucks and other long and heavy vehicles turning onto SH22 Paerata from Crown Road.
NZTA state highway manager Brett Gliddon says two of the key safety features include a dedicated truck lane and a new intersection located further south to ensure longer trucks don’t block the nearby railway lines while waiting to turn onto SH22.
“This project will have major benefits for the truck drivers who use this intersection on a daily basis. The close proximity of the rail line and the road previously created a potentially dangerous situation,” says Gliddon.
The dedicated truck lane is now open and operating and new road signage will be erected in the next couple of weeks.
Richard Young rubs a diesel truck repair business located on Crown Road and he says the improvements are the best thing that could happen for the safety of truck drivers travelling through the area.
“It’s a busy road at the best of times and until now it’s been very stressful for drivers negotiating the intersection with long vehicles,” says Young.
“This is going to make the intersection safer for everyone.”
