Work is about to get underway on State Highway 58 in Pāuatahanui to improve safety on and around the road and connections between nearby communities.

The project will add a clip-on footbridge to the existing highway bridge that crosses the Pāuatahanui Stream, just north of the SH58/SH1 Transmission Gully interchange.

It will also improve existing paths connecting Pāuatahanui Village, Whitby, and the Lanes Flat area.

Works will begin next week and will take about three months to complete.

Aside from shoulder closures, most of the work will be off road, but traffic management will be in place between the Pāuatahanui roundabout and near the intersection with Joseph Banks Drive.

This will include reduced speed limits, signage, occasional use of stop/go signals, and temporary changes to the road layout.

For pedestrians, because the footpath between Pāuatahanui and Whitby that goes under SH58 will be temporarily closed, people will be able to cross the road at the intersection with Joseph Banks Drive (where there’s an existing pedestrian refuge in the centre island).

At the pedestrian crossing point, measures will be in place to improve safety and visibility. This includes reduced speed limits through the area 24/7. The crossing will be staffed before and after school hours to help keep everyone safe when people are crossing the road.

In late March and early April, the clip-on footbridge will be lifted into place in two separate stages over about four nights.

It is likely there will be full closures of the SH58 Pāuatahanui bridge on those nights. If so, a detour route will be available. Details will be shared once they are confirmed.

This work is part of the Transmission Gully Completion Project, which includes meeting our commitments to reinstate and enhance areas and features that were affected by construction of the motorway.

Works schedule

• From 23 February to late May, Monday to Friday, mostly daytime works. Days and hours of operation may be extended to help progress the work as efficiently and safely as possible, and so earthworks can be completed before winter.
• Most of the works will be offroad, but expect reduced speed limits, signage, occasional use of stop/go signals, and temporary changes to the road layout.
• Watch for pedestrians crossing SH58 at the intersection with Joseph Banks Drive, especially during school travel hours.
• Night works in late March/early April for about four nights (dates and details to be confirmed). A detour will be in place if required.