MEDIA RELEASE: NAPIER PORT, NZTA, KIWIRAIL
29 March 2019
An initiative to improve the safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists at Napier Port’s heavily congested western entrance will reach completion this Sunday 31 March, following the installation of new traffic lights on Breakwater Road.
Scheduled for activation at 9.00am, these form part of a collaborative effort by Napier Port, KiwiRail and New Zealand Transport Agency.
The initiative also saw barrier arms, lights and bells installed at the entrance’s railway level crossings, last month, for motorists entering and exiting the Port, as well as at the busy pedestrian crossings.
NZTA’s Hawke’s Bay-Gisborne Manager – System Management, Oliver Postings, says the traffic lights and push button pedestrian controls will be instrumental in improving safety at the gate, as well as in aiding the flow of traffic in and out of the Port.
He says even with these positive changes it is important, however, for pedestrians and motorists to exercise caution when navigating the gate.
“Any changes of this nature can take some time for people to become accustomed to so we are simply asking people to be extra careful and always look both ways.”
The number of trucks coming into Napier Port are increasing, and so are the number of trains, pedestrians and cyclists crossing its gate.
Two trucks have collided with trains over the last year and there have been a number of near misses.
Napier Port CEO, Todd Dawson, says he’s pleased with the end result and he’s optimistic the solution will prevent any further incidents.
“Large numbers of truck drivers, train drivers, pedestrians and cyclists use this gate on a daily basis and ensuring they are safe at Napier Port is paramount to us.”
