Safety aid for our roads

BBC file picture

Truckies and politicians are welcoming news that rumble strips, median barriers and other safety measures will be installed on three rural highways around Gisborne.

Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter yesterday announced an extension of the Government’s Safety Boost Programme targeting rural roads in Gisborne, saying the New Zealand Transport Agency would invest $20 million in lower cost safety improvements on rural State highways.

That would include SH2 between Wairoa and Gisborne, SH35 between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay and SH2 between Gisborne and Matawai.

“The Boost Programme will target 11 rural State Highways that might not have high levels of traffic but still have plenty of risks like sharp corners and narrow stretches,” Genter said.

“The Boost Programme includes simple safety upgrades that can be installed quickly over the summer period, such as rumble strips, roadside safety barriers in high-risk locations, shoulder widening, and improved signage.

“All drivers make mistakes from time to time. Safety improvements like these stop simple mistakes turning into tragedies.

“Rumble strips can reduce fatal run-off-road crashes by up to 42 percent. Shoulder widening at high risk sights can reduce serious crashes by up to 35 percent.”

The Summer Boost Programme follows on from the original Safety Boost Programme, which made similar improvements in Northland, Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui, Otago and Southland, she said.

Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon welcomed the announcement of additional funding.

“This is on top of the Provincial Growth Fund of $132m announced by the Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and Minister Jones.

“We have worked closely with Associate Minister Genter to highlight the road safety matters in Tairawhiti.

“The investment will improve safety in the areas that it is applied, Gisborne to Tolaga Bay and between Gisborne and Wairoa.

“Our team at Tairawhiti Roads is ready to implement the work programme immediately. May I still ask that we drive to the conditions of the roads as many have speed restrictions and safety notices on them.”

Last year, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced an investment of up to $137 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to help unlock Tairawhiti’s economic potential through stronger, safer and more resilient transport connections. The National Land Transport Programme also last year announced funding of $232 million for the region, which included a $51m safety package that will fund the new safety measures announced yesterday.

Farmers Transport Gisborne branch manager Alaister Gray said trucking companies would be supportive of the improvements.

“Anything on State Highway 35 is going to be good for us. It is an issue up the coast with the volume of vehicles that are on it. We’ll be right behind it. ”