Risky stretches get barriers

CONTROVERSIAL: Some locals question whether costly side barriers are the best use of money on SH2. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

New barriers appearing on the roadside between Carterton and Masterton are life-saving devices, says an NZTA official.

The side impact barriers, recently installed along SH2, are part of an ongoing NZTA project to identify high-risk locations and prevent crashes caused by drivers losing control and veering off the road.

In the 10 years to 2014, there were 13 serious and one fatal crash on the stretch of highway between the two towns.

This year, there have been two serious crashes, including one where a woman driver was seriously injured when the car she was driving and a milk tanker collided.

NZTA regional performance manager Mark Owen said the aim of the barriers was to improve safety when vehicles strayed onto roadside shoulders.

"With side impact barriers on a wide road, motorists who veer left will be safely contained within their traffic lane with sufficient clearance for vehicles coming the other way."

The barriers were being installed in stages, with the next phase expected to be rolled out next year.

In the meantime, NZTA would be doing further work to identify future locations and then to design the sections of barriers, Mr Owens said.

The barriers will be installed at "high-risk" locations on SH2.

"We specifically target locations where the barriers are likely to protect motorists from being injured or killed by ditches, trees or other roadside hazards.

"Side impact barriers are a proven life-saving device which play a vital role in keeping people safe by preventing serious and fatal crashes caused by people losing control and veering off the road."

NZTA was unable to provide a figure for the cost of the work so far, but said the barriers generally cost around $150 to $200 a metre to install.

Work to install the barriers will be ongoing, Mr Owen said.

Public opinion on the new barriers has been mixed. Several readers have texted the Times-Age to express their displeasure.

One wrote: "The money spent on crash barriers south of Masterton would have been better spent on time-saving roundabouts at crucial intersections, Ngaumutawa, Norfolk and East Taratahi Roads. Speed between Masterton and Carterton better at 80km as no one does 100 anyway."

Another person wrote: "Can someone explain the huge expenditure on crash barriers along straight sections of SH2 between Masterton and Carterton. Surely the road surface should be a higher priority, the seal 'flushing' and delamination are potentially lethal when wet particularly for motorcyclists. The inclement weather excuse won't wash as these issues have existed for several years and have progressively worsened. A recent accident on this stretch of road could have resulted in a fatality had a tanker driver not veered left as far as possible, had these barriers been in place he would not have had that option."