Transporting New Zealand Membership Manager, Jim Crouchley attended the Freight Forum held in Christchurch last week. The event brought together freight operators and NZTA staff to discuss significant transport projects and safety initiatives in Canterbury.
A major focus of the meeting was the Road Policing Investment Programme, which targets critical safety issues including speed, driver distractions (such as cell phones), restraint use, high-risk drivers, and commercial vehicle compliance. $20 million has been allocated toward improving drug driving detection, signalling a strong push to improve road safety through targeted testing and enforcement.
NZTA also presented an update on the Brougham Street upgrade, including the construction of a new pedestrian and cyclist overbridge (image featured above). Attendees raised concerns about the potential risk of objects being dropped onto traffic below, but it was confirmed this has been addressed in the design as the bridge is largely enclosed.
Here’s another artist depiction of the Brougham St bridge:
The Rolleston Overbridge and roundabout also generated significant discussion, especially around challenges for over-dimension vehicle access. We are also in discussions with NZTA and its consultants about the impact that the overbridge and associated new traffic flows will have on access to the publicly available weighbridge on Jones Road. Further planning input is expected.
Positive feedback was received regarding the replacement of two century-old bridges on State Highway 82 at Waihao North River and Elephant Hill which currently don’t support HPMVs. With the replacement of the Kurow Bridge a few years ago, this development is set to create a good link for heavy vehicles in and out of the Waimate region.
Operators with any questions can contact Jim on 027 261 0953 or at jim@transporting.nz.
