Safety improvements are on the way for State Highway 53 in Martinborough. As part of its Safety Improvements programme, the New Zealand Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi will be making changes to the intersection of State Highway 53 and Princess Street, with work to start next week from Monday 4 May.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington / Top of the South Island, says the community and Council have raised concerns about the intersection’s safety.

“We have listened to what people have said and will be making the intersection safer. The current road layout can create a ‘look through’ effect, where drivers misjudge gaps or fail to clearly recognise conflicting traffic movement. This increases the chance of crashes when vehicles are crossing or turning at the intersection,” Mr Owen says.

He says the changes will include new road markings, new median traffic islands and pedestrian facilities, and relocated road signs. The intersection will also be redesigned to help make turning easier and safer for all travellers.

“The new traffic islands will help mitigate current risks. They will help reduce vehicle speeds and improve driver awareness and behaviour at the intersection.”

And the changes will also make the intersection safer for pedestrians, Mr Owen says.

“The new traffic islands will allow pedestrians to cross Princess Street in two stages rather than having to find a single large gap in traffic. This will make crossing the road easier for older people and those with mobility issues.”

When is this work happening?

Contractors will begin work from Monday 4 May. They will be on site Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm. The project is expected to take around two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Drivers and residents can expect shoulder closures, stop/go traffic management, and a 30km/h temporary speed limit while the work is being completed. Short delays can be expected when travelling through the intersection.

Work schedule:

• Monday 4 May, ongoing for two weeks. Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm
  • Intersection of SH53 and Princess Street
  • Shoulder closures, stop/go traffic management, and 30 km/h temporary speed limit
  • Expect short delays

More information:

• This work is part of ongoing safety improvement activities undertaken by NZTA|Waka Kotahi, and the project has an estimated cost of $115,000.
• In the past 10 years, there have been 13 crashes recorded within 250metres of this intersection. The improvements planned will help reduce this crash risk.
• There is also other safety-related work under way for this section of SH53. NZTA|Waka Kotahi is currently consulting on a speed review for the highway north of Princess Street. More information about this can be found online: Wairarapa speed limit consultation | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with NZTA:

• Traffic updates (NZTA website)
• Social media: Facebook and X
• Journey Planner (NZTA website)
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Media contacts
media@swdc.govt.nz 
felix.marwick@nzta.govt.nz