From the Ōtaki to north of Levin May 2023 newsletter:
Ōtaki to Ohau safety improvement work is underway, with the first phase of work between Ōtaki and Manakau. Three turnaround bays and stretches of median and side barriers will be installed between Ōtaki and Manakau. This is expected to be complete next summer.
These safety improvements are designed to transition drivers safely from the dual-lane, median separated highways from Wellington to north of Ōtaki, to the single-lane State Highway 1.
The southern-most turnaround, at the existing rest area south of the Forest Lakes hill is almost complete and expected to open at the end of the month.
Construction of the second turnaround south of Pukehou Rail Overbridge started in April, and is expected to take about six weeks, subject to weather. While this work is underway, a temporary road layout is in place which shifts both lanes to the east to ensure traffic can continue to flow and minimise any delay with a 50km/h speed limit for the duration of the work.
Work on the third turnaround, at Gleeson Road, is expected to begin in June.
Additional stretches of side barriers have been included in the design of the southern section, to ensure the road is safe and appropriate for the 100km/h speed limit in this area. If you are in a crash, side barriers keep you from hitting more significant hazards like poles, trees or drainage ditches.
The turning lanes into Forest Lakes Road and South Manakau Road will remain as they are to ensure safe turning in and out of these roads. A new right turn bay will also be implemented at Atkins Road.
