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A Smarter Motorway

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Improvements in technology means roads are getting smarter.

The next evolution of roads is coming

As with many things we use in our lives, roads are becoming smarter. NZTA is currently working on a project to make New Zealand’s first smart motorway.

What are the project’s main objectives?

 The project is part of the NZTA’s upgrade of the Ngauranga Gorge to Aotea Quay part of Wellington’s motorway. It aims to: 

  • reduce congestion
  • improve travel times 
  • improve safety. 

What has been the issue?

Ngauranga Gorge to Aotea Quay is the busiest road in the Wellington region. During peak times:

  • travel times are much longer 
  • drivers can count on how long their trip will take them only half of the time.

What will the changes be?

The key changes will be: 

  • introducing the ‘smart motorway’ system which involves improving the ATMS (active traffic management system)
  • adding an extra lane in both directions
  • replacing the median barrier
  • widening the State Highway 2 off-ramp at Ngauranga
  • lengthening the existing sign gantries and adding a number of new ones
  • building a new southbound on-ramp for emergency services at Ngauranga.

Audio Māori keywords: 

Audio Māori keywords: 

Identify a road near you that could benefit from smart technology. What "smarts" would this road need?

Ngauranga Gorge to Aotea Quay is the busiest road in the Wellington region. Image: NZTA.

The smart motorway will improve the current ATMS (active traffic management system). Image: LEARNZ.

Replacing the median barrier is also part of the project. Image: NZTA.

Adding new sign gantries is another change being made to this part of the motorway. Image: NZTA.

«Previous
The Problem with Traffic Congestion
Contents: Easy
Next»
What is a Smart Motorway?
Standard Version

Comments

I wonder where the next smart

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2015-08-24 09:51
Comment: 
I wonder where the next smart motorway will be? Maybe somewhere in Auckland?

I wonder how much congestion

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2015-08-28 12:14
Comment: 
I wonder how much congestion is the trigger for doing something about it?

I wonder what is the cost of

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2015-08-28 12:16
Comment: 
I wonder what is the cost of land so a smart motorway becomes cost-effective. Urban land is more expensive than rural land so maybe smart motorways would never be a solution for rural places.
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