What is the Nelson Southern Link Investigation?

It’s a piece of work to investigate options for a route connecting the State Highway from Whakatu Drive to QEII Drive. The investigation is part of the Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package for State Highway projects, as central and local government have identified projects as regionally important to address economic efficiency, safety and resilience issues.  Ensuring an efficient and reliable transport network is vital to Nelson’s export-led economy as it relies on the roading network to transport goods.

What is the purpose of the Accelerated Regional Roading Package?

To support the Government’s focus on improving regional infrastructure to encourage national economic development. The Nelson Southern Link project is part of the $212m Accelerated Regional Roading Package, and is funded from the Future Investment Fund. 

Why do we need to look at the Nelson Southern Link again?

As set out in the Accelerated Regional Roading Package for state highway projects the route needs to be investigated fully to ensure the region’s economic efficiency, safety, and resilience issues are addressed.  The investigation will help determine whether a project is feasible and whether it will qualify for funding from the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) or from a non-NLTF funding source, such as Future Investment Fund.

Who has been appointed to carry out the Investigation?

The NZ Transport Agency has appointed AECOM, a professional infrastructure services consultancy to assist it with the investigations and business case development for the investigation work.

What is the timing of the project?

We are currently finalising work to understand the issues the Nelson arterial transport network is facing.  We expect to release more information on this before the end of the year and having consultation on potential options to address the identified arterial transport issues next year.

You can find out more details about the process we are following for the project on  our indicative programme diagram  [PDF, 53 KB] .

You can also find out more about the  Business Case process .

What’s different in this investigation to the work that Nelson City Council has done with the Arterial Transport Study?

 This investigation follows the Transport Agency’s business case process.  Among other matters, it will include analysis about route resilience, urban design, updated traffic modelling, and environmental impacts.  

What would be the potential cost of a Nelson Southern Link project?

If it goes ahead, Government has estimated improving Nelson’s arterial connection between Whakatu Drive and QEII Drive could cost up to $40 – 50 million.  However, the current investigation work will help to further clarify potential costs.

What discussions have been held about the investigation so far?

We have had constructive meetings and workshops about the investigation with representatives of different communities within Nelson as well as with other key stakeholders including Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, the Road Transport Association, AA, Nelson Port and Police.

The Strategic Case

We have now completed the first piece of work on the Nelson Southern Link investigation – The Strategic Case.  This work has identifies the problems the Nelson arterial roading network is facing and the outcomes we want potential solutions to meet.  This is the foundation for the business case process, which we use to develop our projects, including the projects identified in the Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package.

View a larger image of our Investment assessment

Click here if you would like further information on this process. 

The Strategic Case, which is agreed to by key stakeholders at this high level stage, is one of the earliest parts of our work and looks to understand the issues.  In the case of the Nelson Southern Link, the Strategic Case considers Nelson’s arterial transport needs, identifies a clear problem(s) and determines if they justify investment.  A programme of improvements or options is what occurs in the next stage of the business case process – the Programme Business Case.

What the Strategic Case says

The Strategic Case for the Nelson Southern Link investigation has identified two key problems for Nelson’s arterial routes - congestion and accessibility.  Peak hour congestion on Nelson’s two arterial routes is causing travel delays, while a lack of accessibility on SH6 Rocks Road is limiting walking and cycling opportunities in Nelson.

By successfully addressing these issues on Nelson’s arterial routes a number of potential benefits can be achieved.  The primary benefits are:

• Reduced journey times
• Contribute to Nelson and regional economic growth and productivity
• Improved community safety and wellbeing and
• Improved tourism and recreation activities.

You can view a copy of the Strategic Case here.

Now that the Strategic Case has been completed and it has confirmed the project should progress to the next phase, the next step for the Nelson Southern Link investigation will be to carry out a Programme Business Case.  This is where we  develop and discuss a programme of improvements, including one or more options, to potentially address Nelson’s arterial route needs and the needs of the people using those routes.

A key part of this process is engagement with local communities, business, stakeholders and the general public.  We expect to engage with local communities, businesses and the wider public early next year on this part of the process to develop the Programme Business Case.  We want your thoughts on these options because community input is vital to informing the decisions that are made.  When the time comes, please take part.  Your feedback will be an important factor in our considerations before we advise the Government on the outcomes of our investigations next year.

Related information 

• Nelson Southern Link Strategic Case
• Strategic Case FAQs 

How state highways can affect people and places

The state highway network can support thriving communities when well integrated with the adjoining land uses and surrounding ecology. However the activities involved in planning, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the state highway network can have negative impacts on communities, the natural environment, human health, cultural and historic heritage, and the built and rural landscapes in which we all live. State highway activities affect people, their communities and the spaces they live, work and play in a number of ways including:

• determining how easily or by what mode people move around their community to get to places they want to go
• altering the look and feel (amenity) of landscapes and urban spaces 
• enhancing or reducing access to and enjoyment of cultural and historic heritage
• creating noise, vibrations and emissions to air, which along with the other factors above impact our physical and mental wellbeing.

What we’re doing to deliver state highway infrastructure that is sensitive to communities and their built and natural environments

When planning, building, operating and maintaining the state highway network we:

• engage with communities
• assess and mitigate social impacts
• assess and mitigate noise, vibration and air quality impacts
• apply quality urban design principles
• carry out landscape assessments and prepare urban or landscape design plans
• monitor air quality
• support the provision of walking, cycling and public transport.

Find out more from our website about:

working with communitiesworking with communities

planning for quality urban spaces

walking, cycling and public transport

social issues

cultural and historic heritage

Technical information

The technical information that employees, contractors and suppliers of the NZ Transport Agency need to be aware of to complete tasks and projects can be found on the  Highways Information Portal . We have a number of pages dedicated to specific environmental subjects so our consultants, contractors and other partners can easily access our standard, tools, and resources.

Urban design and landscaping
Noise and vibration
Climate and air quality
Historic and cultural heritage
Community and stakeholder engagement

Our social and environmental responsibilities are guided by legislation and external and internal strategy and policy documents. 

Our guiding environmental and social legislation and policies

Guiding legislation

Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA)

The LTMA provides the legal framework for managing and funding land transport activities. The purpose of the LTMA is to contribute to an effective, efficient, and safe land transport system in the public interest. Section 96 (1)(a) requires that the Transport Agency exhibits a sense of social and environmental responsibility. 

Resource Management Act 1991

The RMA promotes sustainable development by managing the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources in a way, or at a rate, that enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing and for their health and safety. The Transport Agency has a duty to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse environmental effects from its activities.

The Transport Agency is also subject to a number of other statutes which influence how we meet our social and environmental responsibilities including but not exclusive to:

• Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014
• Biosecurity Act 1993
• Wildlife Act 1953
• Marine Reserves Act 1971
• Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978
• Conservation Act 1987
• Local Government Act 2002
• Health Act 1956.

To ensure our environmental statutory requirements are managed in a robust, user-friendly and transparent manner, we use a legal compliance system.

Find out more about our consent compliance management system

In this section you can find all the relevant information about high-productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs), including how to apply for a permit, commonly asked questions, and maps that show which routes have been approved so far.

If you want to carry divisible loads, such as logs, milk powder or freight, more productively, you may be able to operate on an HPMV permit.

About HPMV permits

The amendment rule Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2010 changed some of the lengths for heavy vehicles and creates a new permit class for HPMVs at increased weights.  

Read the consolidated version of the rule, which includes all amendments

Review of the performance of HPMV’sWhy allow HPMV permits?

In September 2011 and May 2014, the Transport Agency and the Ministry of Transport completed a monitoring, evaluation and review of the implementation of the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule.   TheRule. The review consideredsuggested that freight levels are likely to increase 75% over the economic impact, impact on infrastructure, impact on safety, operator experience, RCA feedback, Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (Police) feedback,next 25 years and ongoing reporting frameworks.much of this will go by road. Allowing trucks to carry more freight in each trip could reduce the number of trips needed, making our roads more efficient, reduce congestion and make our economy more competitive.

Download the Monitoring, evaluation and review of the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule report as at 30 April 2011

What has changed?

One of the key changes in the amended rule is to allow divisible loads to go over 44 tonnes and have longer than current ‘as-of-right’ lengths, but only with a permit and only on roads approved as suitable for such trucks. The as-of-right weight limit for trucks is unchanged at 44 tonnes – the total length limit for most combinations is still 20 metres.

There is also a change in the as-of-right lengths for some trucks that have been operating under an overlength permit, such as logging trucks. Those trucks can now be 22 metres as of right.

The permit systems for indivisible overweight and overdimension loads are unchanged

Read more about overdimension and overweight loads

How to apply for an HPMV permit

HPMV permits will be approved for suitable vehicles carrying divisible loads of economic importance. Permitted vehicles must also be able to travel on routes that are suitable for the vehicle and load being approved.

Important information before applying for a permit

As well as ensuring that your vehicle and its load comply with the dimension requirements in the  Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2010 , you must  also check the route you intend to operate on to ensure compliance with section 2.1 (1) of the rule, to make sure your vehicle and its load is manoeuvrable, fits safely on the road and interacts safely with other road users. Failure to meet this requirement can result in an infringement note being issued.

1. Obtain a heavy vehicle attributes certification

Before you apply for an HPMV permit, you will need to obtain a high productivity motor vehicle attributes check from an approved heavy vehicle specialist certifier. If you cannot locate a certifier near you, please check with your  regional Transport Agency office.

Download a list of certifiers

2. Apply for your HPMV permit online

Use our truck permit portal to apply for your permit

Download the user guide on how to use the Truck Permit Portal

More information for applicants

For detailed information about HPMV permits and how to apply, read the Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual .

23–25 metre vehicles

Due to lane width issues, no HPMV permits will be issued for 23–25 metre vehicles. For more information, read our questions and answers about HPMV .

Contact a Transport Agency permit issuing officer

If you need help with your application, or want to provide feedback on the application process, please contact one of our regional permit issuing officers.

Additional information

For more information, see:

• full HPMV for the high productivity freight network
• Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 1)
  
• our guide to assessing HPMV designs and eligibility
• Transport Engineering Research New Zealand Limited's (TERNZ) report,  The development of pro-forma overdimension vehicle parameters
• our webpages about HPMV vehicles .

Regional performance manager Mark Owen says the Transport Agency was aiming to get all major roadworks in Wairarapa completed before the Christmas break.

“We know there’s a lot of work happening, but the good news is that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We’re on track to get it mostly finished to make it clear sailing for the rest of summer.”

He says motorists should leave extra time up their sleeve, as journeys will take longer.

“We know roadworks are a pain, and we’re very grateful to the public for being so patient and courteous while we get this important work done.

“Roadworks are a bit like re-soling your shoes while you’re still running. We’re working hard to keep traffic flowing, but some delays are inevitable.

“Once the work is done, locals will notice a real improvement at the sites we’ve worked on – they’ll be better to drive on and safer.”

Work next week will be carried out at Carterton, Wilton’s Road, Clareville, and the Rimutaka Hill Road. Traffic management will be in place, and motorists are urged to keep to the posted speed limits to keep road users and road workers safe.

The following documents and tools help us to carry out state highway work in a way which meets our environmental and social responsibilities.

State highway environmental plan

This state highway environmental and social responsibility plan provides the Transport Agency’s approach to implementation of our environmental and social responsibility policy, in relation to the planning, design, operation and maintenance of New Zealand’s state highway network.

Read the State highway environmental plan

Environmental and social responsibility standard

The environmental and social responsibility standard provides tools, references and resources for project managers and their teams to ensure that environmental and social matters are considered appropriately throughout the lifecycle of their state highway project.

Find out more about our environmental and social responsibility standard

Greenroads

Greenroads is an international sustainability rating system for roadway design and construction, which is applicable to any road construction project. The sustainability rating is certified by an independent third party, providing a benchmark against other roading projects in New Zealand and internationally.

Find out more about GreenroadsFind out more about Greenroads

Environmental and social management plans

All state highway construction projects, network maintenance areas and bridge maintenance contracts will develop an environmental and social management plan. These plans establish the environmental management system between the contractors, consultants and the NZ Transport Agency.

Find out more about environmental and social management plans

Community and stakeholder engagement

We work closely with people and communities and key stakeholders.
We have memoranda of understandings with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and the Department of Conservation.
As a Crown agency, we acknowledge the status of Māori as tangata whenua – the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand – and as partners with the Crown in the Treaty of Waitangi. One of the objectives of the state highway environmental and social policy is to maintain and improve opportunities for Maori to contribute to our decision making processes.

•  Community and stakeholder engagement 
•  Working with communities

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Silverdale northbound on ramp, 8 December
• Northbound lanes between Silverdale off ramp and Orewa on ramp, 8 December
• Silverdale southbound on ramp, 9 December
• Southbound lanes between Silverdale off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 9 December
• Upper Harbour Highway northbound off ramp, 7 December
• Tristram Avenue northbound on ramp, 7 December

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (SH1 & SH16)

• (SH1) Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off ramp and Hobson Street on ramp, 6 December (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH1) southbound to (SH16) eastbound (Port) link, 6 December (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH1) southbound to (SH16) westbound link, 6 December (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Gillies Avenue northbound on ramp, 10 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Gillies Avenue southbound off ramp, 6 December 
• Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on ramp, 6 - 10 December (approx 8:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Lincoln Road westbound on ramp, 6 December (subject to other closures in the area, please check before travelling)
• Westbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off ramp and Brigham Creek Road Roundabout, 6 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Westbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off ramp and Lincoln Road on ramp, 9 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Te Atatu Road eastbound on ramp, 6 - 10 December
• Te Atatu Road westbound on ramp, 6 - 7 & 9 – 11 December
• Te Atatu Road westbound off ramp, 10 - 11 December
• Eastbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off ramp and Te Atatu Peninsula on ramp, 6 - 10 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Eastbound lanes between Patiki Road off ramp and Western Springs on ramp, 6 - 8 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Rosebank Road eastbound on ramp, 6 - 10 December
• Great North Road eastbound on ramp, 6 - 10 December
• Great North Road westbound off ramp, 7 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Great North Road westbound on ramp, 8 - 10 December
• Westbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and Patiki Road on ramp, 8 - 10 December (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and Western Springs on ramp, 9 - 10 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Westbound lanes between St Lukes Road off ramp and Great North Road on ramp 6 - 7 December (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• St Lukes Road westbound on ramp, 6 - 7 & 10 December

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

• Coronation Road northbound on ramp, 9 December
• Northbound lanes between Coronation Road off ramp and Rimu Road on ramp, 9 December (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:30a.m.)

Please follow the signposted detours. The NZTA thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Transport Agency work crews will be out in force over the next five months, making the most of the warmer, dryer weather over summer to make highways safer, and progress major projects.

Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management at roadwork sites over the next few months, and should get in the habit of allowing extra time for their journeys. 

People can get information on road works and detours in the region they are in, or travelling to by going online and checking www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys , by calling 0800 444 449 or following the Transport Agency  on Facebook or Twitter.

Journey manager Nigel D’Ath says checking out the Transport Agency’s website before packing up the car can help people choose the best routes and times to travel.

“Picking up your mouse or your smartphone before you pick up your keys and planning your journey could save you a lot stress and unnecessary time on the road,” Mr D’Ath says.

Road work sites which may cause delays over the next week are also detailed below to help people plan ahead:

Waikato

SH39: State Highway 39 traffic will be diverted during day-long road works in the Te Kowhai area on Sunday December 13.

The works near the Koura Drive roundabout include pavement repairs to remove joints and road resurfacing.

Crews will be on-site from 5am until 7pm on Sunday. The work is weather dependent and will be postponed until Sunday December 20 if necessary.

While access to properties will be maintained at all times – people need to speak with traffic crews on site – all through traffic will be diverted on to Onion Road and Horotiu Road.

The full detour is likely to add up to 14 minutes to journey times and the Transport Agency recommends people consider an alternative route if heading to the The Base from SH39.

SH1 Cambridge
Speed restrictions and other traffic management will be in place on SH1 near the Cambridge velodrome during an international cycling event this week.

The UCI Track Cycling World Cup will be held from Friday to Sunday, 4-6 December, with 400 riders from 40 countries completing.

Motorists are advised to expect delays on:

Friday:  from noon to 1.30pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Saturday: from 7.30am to 9am, 3.30pm to 6pm, 10.30pm to 11.30pm.

Sunday: from 7.30am to 9am, 3.30pm to 6pm, 8.30pm to 9.30pm

Waikato Expressway

• Traffic management and speed restrictions are in place along some sections of State Highway 1 and State Highway 1B as work on the Rangiriri, Huntly and Cambridge sections of the Waikato Expressway continues.

• Speed is restricted to 70km/h along State Highway 1, through Rangiriri.

• A 70km/h speed restriction is ongoing on State Highway 1 – north and sound-bound between Fisher Road and the Ohinewai interchange as part of works on the Huntly section. The restriction is to allow the contractor to widen the road and shift traffic on to a new alignment to allow for the start of construction on the Ohinewai interchange bridge.

• Motorists can also still expect some delays on SH1 at Golf Hill around the Southern interchange in Cambridge and on SH1B around the Victoria Road interchange as work continues on the Cambridge section.

SH1 Five Mile Bay

Road-widening works continue on SH1 at Five Mile Bay, just south of Taupo, until January. Traffic management is in place and motorists should allow for delays of up to five minutes.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience during the works.

BAY OF PLENTY

SH2 Opotiki to Gisborne – Waioeka Gorge

People travelling between Opotiki and Gisborne next week are advised to allow an extra 15 minutes travel time as contractors carry out road repairs in the Waioeka Gorge.

Stop/go traffic management  and speed restrictions will be in place at multiple sites and motorists are advised to drive with care to help protect the new seal.

SH36 between Tauranga and Rotorua  - fibre optic cabling: Speed restrictions and shoulder closures will be in place between Tauranga and Rotorua over the next week as contractors continue installing fibre optic cables.  Motorists should allow an extra five minutes when travelling through the area.

SH2 Tauranga north and SH29

Stop/go traffic management and 30km/h speed restrictions will be in place to allow contractors to reseal sections of SH2 north of Tauranga, and SH29 on the Tauranga side of the Kaimai Range.

Motorists are advised to allow an extra 10 minutes travel time. The work is weather dependent and may be postponed if necessary.

SH2 Paengaroa roundabout:  One lane of the roundabout will be closed from Wednesday December 9 until Friday December 11 for vegetation works.

Traffic management will be in place and motorists are advised to expect minor delays.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience during the works.

A review and gap analysis of current design guidance is complete and we are now progressing the quick wins identified. We hope to have the revised Cycle Network and Route Planning Guide available early in 2016 forbefore Christmas 2015 for use and feedback.

The remaining guidance will be available early in March 2016 on an on-line ‘point and click’ framework that enables cycle network planners and designers to take a design approach that is appropriate for the outcomes sought and local context.

Click here to review the best practice review and find out more on the project.

Check each agent's website for complete details about the services it offers and opening hours. Be sure to phone to confirm opening hours before you visit.

The following pages on the AA, VTNZ and VINZ websites also provide information for all of their agents.

• The Automobile Association (AA)
  
• Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ)
• Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ)

DriveLive - Smart Capital

As part of putting the smarts into our motorway, we’ve developed a mobile-friendly website to provide up-to-the-minute journey times on key routes in the Wellington region.

Check out DriveLive Smart Capital and save the link to your smart phone. 

Knowing how long a trip will take you helps you plan your day and spend time doing the things you’d rather be doing. 

Only check it when it’s safe to do so - check travel times before you drive.

We’re committed to a collaborative approach to transport planning, funding and development. It’s an approach that delivers integrated transport solutions that best meet the needs of New Zealanders. To achieve these results, we seek open and honest consultation across a range of activities with all our stakeholders, including road users, business, local government, communities and iwi.

• See what we’re currently consulting on
• See what we’ve recently consulted on

The activities we consult on

Projects, policies and programmes

We undertake consultation for programmes, policies and projects according to specific scope, process and consultation principles set out by the Land Transport Management Act 2003.

Read the Land Transport Management Act 2003the  Land Transport Management Act 2003

Land transport rules

We undertake consultation on behalf of the Minister of Transport for the making of land transport rules. The Minister of TransportMinister of Transport  has a statutory responsibility under the Land Transport Act 1998 to1998 to notify the intention to make the rule and to consult with interested groups on the proposed rule.

Read the Land Transport Act 1998

We go beyond the minimum statutory requirements by maintaining a database of interested groups and individuals and undertaking extensive consultation on each rule. Submissions received on draft rules are summarised and analysed and the rule redrafted to take into account the submissions received. If necessary, we undertake further consultation with key groups before submitting a proposed rule to the government.

Policy – planning and management of land transport activities

We consult and communicate with relevant organisations and individuals whenever we substantively develop, enhance or review policy around the planning and management of land transport activities. These are activities that can be funded from the national land transport fund. Appendix 3 of the  Planning, programming and funding manual details this consultation and communication process.

What we’re currently consulting on

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment (2016)
  The Transport Agency has released this proposed amendment Rule, on behalf of the Minister ofMinister of Transport, for public consultation. Consultation closes onon 21 December 2015.

  The aim of this proposed amendment Rule is to allow road controlling authorities to issue permits for higher axle loading on all buses. A previous amendment to this rule (which came into effect on 1 October 2015) introduced permits for higher axle masses, but only for high-capacity buses (double-deckers) used on urban public transport routes.

• New Zealand Transport Agency State Highway Stormwater Specification
  The Environment and Urban Design team has drafted this specification, together with input from a group of internal and external people with expertise in stormwater management on the state highways.
  
  The feedback period will close on  December 18th 2015 , after which the final document will be prepared and released.

• Guide to assessing social impacts for state highway projects
  The Transport Agency has released this draftdraft Guide to assessing social impacts for state highway projectsprojects  for public consultation. This guide sets out the requirements for assessment that meets the Transport Agency’s commitment to social responsibility and the requirements of statutory approval processes under the Resource Management Act.Act. 
  
  Please send feedback toto environment@nzta.govt.nz . The feedback period will close onon Monday 29 January 2016 , after which the final document will be prepared and released.

The Signal New Zealand User Group (SNUG) and the NZ Transport Agency has developed these guidelines to assist traffic signal asset owners, design consultants and suppliers capture the maximum benefits from the newer technologies available, and to provide a best practice guideline.

Use of this document in its current release form is strongly encouraged.

Feedback may be directed to: P43Feedback@nzta.govt.nz

The document may be updated periodically during this interim release period.

The feedback period will close on Monday 26 October 2015 , after which the final document will be prepared and released.

About the P43 Specification for Traffic Signals

Traffic signals are a significant asset for many road authorities including the Transport Agency (through its Highways and Network Operations group). 

To assist traffic signal asset owners, design consultants and suppliers capture the maximum benefits from newer technologies; the IPENZ group SNUG and the Transport Agency has developed the P43 Specification for Traffic Signals.

This document builds on the significant effort that the SNUG members have put into this area of asset ownership and operation.

The SNUG and the NZ Transport Agency are aware that there is a plethora of new equipment being promoted in NZ from overseas and wish to  provide a level of consistency around its use and to manage the standards to which it should meet, and under which it is used and maintained.

This standard is intended to provide asset owners, design consultants and suppliers guidance. It is not intended to be prescriptive or to hinder innovation. Each RCA is able to amend the specification should a particular clause not be appropriate. The guideline is based on both experience and international best practice.

Consultation document

View P43 Specification for Traffic Signals

Questions and answers

The following information provides the answers to some common questions. If you have additional questions regarding the interim guidelines please send a message to: P43Feedback@nzta.govt.nz .

Who developed the draft specification for Traffic signals?

The specification was developed by a working group set up by the SNUG subgroup of IPENZ.  The working group included representatives from the Transport Agency, Auckland Transport, Christchurch City Council, signal design consultants and suppliers.  Many of the members represent New Zealand on the SNUG Committee.

What is the purpose of these guidelines?

The aim of the specification is to provide a clear direction in Traffic Signal equipment procurement, installation and maintenance.

Overall, the intent of the document is to ensure that traffic signal equipment is supplied and installed to a consistent and suitable standard.

What is the scope of the guidelines?

While this specification is intended to encompass the best practice for the supply and installation of traffic signals throughout the country, it is recognised that individual Road Controlling Authorities (RCA) will have their own specific requirements. Therefore, this specification needs to be read in conjunction with the Regional Special Conditions to P43, as produced by the local RCA in which the work is being undertaken.

It has been written for wide application including local authority roads.

What is the relationship between P43 and NZS 5431 :1973?

NZS 5431:1973 is old and out dated. There are many things within NZS 5431 that are no longer relevant, and have since been included in other standards, guidelines or specifications. As such it is intended to revoke NZS 5431:1973 once P43 Specification for Traffic Signals has been adopted. On the whole P43 Specification for Traffic Signals covers all the required specification / standard elements contained within NZS 5431:1973.

In respect to other AS/NZS standards, P43 Specification for Traffic Signals includes reference to many of these and where necessary indicates where there is a departure from said standard for any particular reason.  P43 expands on the standard by clearly defining those parameters considered appropriate for current traffic signal best practice with a goal of achieving safe consistent installations.

There are some useful sections in NZS 5431:1973 around warrants that we still use, what will happen to these?

It is anticipated that future documents will be developed to fit alongside P43. It is felt that details around warrants etc. would be better suited in such a document.

Will these guidelines be mandatory?

The expectation is that these guidelines will be used as best practice guidance for traffic signal projects requesting funding assistance from the Transport Agency and any exception will need to be justified.

Individual RCA’s will be able to specify their own specific requirements for their local network. Therefore, this specification will need to be read in conjunction with any such Regional Special Conditions to P43, as produced by the local RCA in which the work is being undertaken.

It is hoped that Regional Special Conditions will be brief. The SNUG committee will regularly review the various Special Conditions to see if there is any common ground and to determine if amendments to P43 are required.

What are the expected benefits for asset owners and network users?

As the guidelines are implemented, we expect to see the following benefits:

• Reduced maintenance costs
• Improved quality of installation
• Improved safety outcomes with less outage
• Improved consistency across New Zealand

Who do people contact if they have questions about the document?

Email any questions to: P43Feedback@nzta.govt.nz

Who is responsible for implementing the specification?

These specification will be applied by road controlling authorities (local councils and the Transport Agency’s Highways and Network Operations group) and their supply chain (design consultants, suppliers and installation contractors) when planning, designing, installing and maintaining signal assets.

When does the specification come into effect?

The specification and guidelines may be used immediately. There may be minor amendments and additions, but these will not affect the core elements of the document.

The NZ Transport Agency is consulting, on behalf of the Minister of Transport (the Minister), on proposed changes to  Land Transport Rule: Omnibus Amendment 2015 ("the Rule").

Consultation on the proposed changes is being carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the Rules development process takes account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed Rule changes.

The issues that are raised during consultation will be analysed and taken into account in preparing the proposed changes for the Minister of Transport's consideration.

Consultation documents

View the draft rule

View the summary of proposals

View the questions and answers

View the Land Transport Rule: Omnibus Amendment 2015 Consolidation

The playground is the heart of recreational activity in Waterview and its re-build is one of the most colourful and fun parts of the NZ Transport Agency’s Waterview Connection motorway project.

Children from the local Waterview Primary School were involved from the start when they were asked by the playground’s designers (Boffa Miskell) for their ideas about what they wanted.

“Our designers listened to what the children had to say and we’re delighted with the fantastic playground and facilities that are now here for the community and visitors to use,” says the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager Brett Gliddon.

“There are water play and risk-taking areas, as well as slides, swings, roundabouts and sports courts and while we couldn’t give them the ‘edible’ playground they wanted with trees of lollies, plenty of fruit trees have been planted instead.”

The playground is the latest in the series of facilities being delivered for communities near the Waterview Connection project. It was designed by the community, Well-Connected Alliance and Auckland Council and was built by the Well Connected Alliance which is constructing the Waterview Connection for the Transport Agency.

It includes water play elements, a fale-inspired shade structure and a sculptural waka feature.

“The new reserve, with all its awesome features, will be hugely popular over summer and bring our community together like never before. Better recreational spaces is a key goal for the Board and this reserve provides some social mitigation for the motorway,” says Margi Watson of the Albert Eden Local Board and a resident of Waterview.

“It is one of the best projects, at a community level, that the Waterview Connection delivers.”

Around a thousand people visited the playground for the ribbon cutting and opening on Saturday, with more than 900 ice creams, 800 cupcakes and 800 sausages served.

The ribbon cutting included representatives from the Local Board, the Council’s parks team, the Transport Agency, the Well-Connected Alliance, Ngati Whatua, children from Waterview Primary School, and community groups. Children from the school buried a time capsule in the playground.

The playground has big splashes of ground cover which are coloured sea blue and sand to reflect its location near the Waitemata Harbour. It has been designed for toddler through to teenagers.

The second stage of redevelopment – including a skate park and BMX track – opens next year. A heritage area around nearby Oakley Creek and improved walking and cycling access will be completed in 2017.

The Well-Connected Alliance comprises the Transport Agency, Fletcher Construction, Parsons Brinckerhoff, McConnell Dowell, Tonkin+Taylor and Obayashi Corporation.

New Zealand's state highway network closely aligns with the traditional trails and tracks that connected early settlements. Towns and cities have grown up around these routes leading to buildingsCultural and settings that talk to the stories and character of these places. While buildings, monuments, bridges and tunnels are visible in the landscape, many of New Zealand’shistoric heritage is multi-dimensional – it includes built structures, archaeological sites including pa, midden and Māori burial sites are not. State highway activities have the potential to damage or disturb these places of cultural, archaeological and historic importance including places of significance to Māori. These dimensions can overlap or stand alone.

The Resource Management Act (1991) and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 provide strong legislative support for the protection of culture and heritage within New Zealand, which means we give particular consideration to the effects of state highways on cultural and historic heritage values.This, coupled with the strong legislative support that exists for the protection of culture and heritage within New Zealand, means we take particular consideration to the effects of state highways on cultural and heritage values.

How state highways can affect cultural and historic heritage

• earthworks that damage in-ground archaeological material

  vibration caused by large traffic volumes, which can adversely affect heritage structures and archaeological sites

• demolition or relocation of buildings and structures

• rendering structures redundant and obsolete

• vibration and ground dewatering during and post construction the loss of the heritage character of an area 

  the loss of the heritage character of an area from the construction or maintenance of state highways.

We have developed a number of initiatives to help us to meet our commitments including:

• proactively limiting the disturbance of significant cultural and heritage features along state highways

  proactively limiting the disturbance of significant cultural and heritage features along state highways

• showing respect for the heritage buildings we own and maintaining their integrity

  showing respect for the historic buildings we own, and maintain their integrity

• exploring adaptive reuse options for heritage structures that provide an ongoing use

  maintaining a Memorandum of understanding with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

• maintaining a memorandum of understanding with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

• development of a guide to assessing historic heritage effects for state highway projects

  development of a guide to assessing historic heritage effects for state highway projects

• maintaining a heritage inventory

  maintaining a heritage inventory

• developing minimum standards for what needs to be done if archaeological remains are accidentally discovered

  developing minimum standards for what needs to be done if archaeological remains are accidently discovered

• preparing a guideline to assist with the management of heritage assets

  research.

• research to develop a tool to measure the economic value of heritage.

Relevant legislation

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014

The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 promotes the identification, protection, preservation and conservation of the historical and cultural heritage of New Zealand. It is administered by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (formerly the Historic Places Trust). The act contains specific provisions relating to the protection of archaeological sites, historic places and historic areas.

Read the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014

Other legislation

The Protected Objects Act 1975 regulates the export of protected New Zealand objects, the illegal export and import of protected New Zealand and foreign objects, and the sale, trade and ownership of objects relating to Māori culture.

Read the Protected Objects Act 1975

The Conservation Act 1987 and the Reserves Act 1977 promote the conservation of New Zealand's natural and historic resources.

Read the Conservation Act 1987

Read the Reserves Act 1977