Letter below from NZTA on the effects for cyclists on the ATMS project between Ngauranga and Petone
Dear Cyclists
PETONE TO TERRACE TUNNEL HIGHWAY TRAVELLER INFORMATION PROJECT
Highway traveller information will be getting a further boost in the New Year when NZTA begins construction on the second stage of a comprehensive electronic monitoring system between Wellington and Petone.
The Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Project is scheduled to begin at the end of the official holiday period in January with contractor HEB Smithbridge installing fibre optic cable, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and electronic signage along State Highway 1 and 2 between the Terrace Tunnel and Petone overbridge.
The aim of this work will be to give road users more real time traveller information about incidents and traffic conditions. By installing cameras and electronic signage we will be in a better position to see what’s happening on the highway and advise motorists what to expect or give them options to consider before heading onto the road.
This work follows on from an earlier stage carried out between the Terrace Tunnel and Ngauranga Gorge. The ATMS system will work in tandem with other electronic signs on the state highway network in the Wellington region and forms part of our traffic management centre coordinating state highway road use.
Construction work on the ATMS project involves the erection of several gantry structures across State Highways 1 and 2 to accommodate new signs, laying of ducts for new power and communications cables to supply and control the new signs and cameras. The work has been planned to minimise any impact to road users, including cyclists. However, due to the very narrow road corridor between Petone and Ngauranga, construction will require significant lane and shoulder closures up to 2km in length during construction.
< strong>ROADING IMPACT - SOUTHBOUND strong>
From 5 January until the end of February 2009, sections of the shoulder and inside lane will be closed to all vehicles, including cyclists, from 7.00pm until 6.00am. As the road will be restricted to a single lane it will be unsafe for cyclists to use this lane and they will be diverted onto the existing southbound cycle track.
Out of construction hours (during the day from 6.00am until 7.00pm) the highway will be cleared of all construction traffic and the work area will be safe. This will include placing steel plates over pits excavated for cable installation and gentle asphalt ramps will be constructed on and off the steel plates. A friction surface will be applied to the steel plates to minimise any skid risk.
< strong>ROADING IMPACT – NORTHBOUND strong>
Between mid January and April 2009 some activity will continue overnight between 7.00pm and 6.00am until the project is finished in mid to late 2009. Small lane and shoulder closures will be required for the construction of new safety barriers, maintenance parking pads and new roadside equipment (camera poles, cabinets and one gantry). Dedicated cycle access through the work area will be maintained throughout.
During the day, all equipment and associated material will be removed as much as possible from the site to ensure the area is safe. There should be minimal impact on the northbound shoulder of the highway.
Overall, the project is expected to be completed in mid to late 2009 and we ask for your patience and understanding while we carry out this work.
We want to ensure you are aware of what we are doing in your area. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, please feel free to contact HEB Construction by telephone on 04 563 6810 any queries or concerns.
Yours sincerely
< strong>Richard Mowll strong>
Project Manager