Better streets & spaces  |  17 Apr 2019

New flexible road safety barriers that help stop head-on crashes and save lives are being installed on State Highway 74/QEII Drive between Innes Road and Burwood Road.

The barriers are part of a $2.5 million NZ Transport Agency road safety project that is due to be finished in June.

The new side barriers along QEII Drive.

New side barriers along QEII Drive are aimed at reducing the high crash rate.Safety barriers are in the process of being installed along the middle of the state highway.

The project includes barriers down the side and middle of the road, road widening, and high-performance road marking that makes it easier for motorists to see the road ahead in the dark.

NZ Transport Agency Transport Systems Manager Pete Connors says the safety barriers will make a real difference as many of the crashes on that stretch of highway involve cars colliding head-on or running off the road.

“Flexible road safety barriers ‘catch’ vehicles that leave their lane before they hit something less forgiving – like other vehicles or trees, poles or ditches,’’ Mr Connor says.

“When a vehicle hits a barrier, the wire cables flex, slowing down the vehicle and keeping it upright during and after a collision. The barrier absorbs the impact, reducing the force on the people in the vehicle.

“The new barriers down the middle of the road will help prevent head-on crashes while the side ones we have installed will help protect people using the nearby shared path,’’ Mr Connor says.

Over the past few months Higgins Contractors have widened the road shoulders and installed side barriers down the high-risk stretch of road. Crews are now laying asphalt, and installing barriers down the middle of the road.

There will be changes to the road layout and speed restrictions between Innes Road and Burwood Road while the work is done. People travelling through the site are urged to drive with care around road workers and allow an extra five minutes travel time.