Helps keep New Zealand’s highways flowing
we need to coordinate with the first responders so they can get to the accident and look out for the people. But for those that are travelling it can be quite disruptive.
“So we’re using electronic message signs and social media to get information out to advise people this summer that they may need to take extra time, be patient, or they may even have to take a detour.”
The centre not only responds to incidents but attempts to anticipate them too. Hillsides in problem areas such as Remutaka Rd and Haywards Hill Rd are monitored in order to anticipate slips and close roads where necessary.
Camera footage is also used for police investigations and they regularly communicate with local authorities in anticipation of protests, major sporting event traffic, or gang gatherings, such as the recent tangi in Foxton.
Transport Operations Centre manager Gill Nightingale said the systems used were updated constantly to keep the information as accurate as possible.
“We have our CCTV system which brings in all of the CCTV cameras that we have access to and that's available to all of our staff.
“We also have other software that controls all of our signs and safety systems in the tunnels so, whenever there's an incident, we can instantly update messaging boards on the motorways.
The centre also had a dedicated social media operator which meant as soon as something happened social media channels could be updated. .
Wellington’s holiday traffic has changed significantly in the past three years.
With the opening of the Transmission Gully Motorway and the Kāpiti Expressway, the old choke points of Pukerua Bay and Peka Peka are now free flowing parts of the Wellington road network.
Owen said the new roads had meant more reliable journeys at peak times over summer.
“Now that you’ve got two lanes from Wellington all the way to north of Ōtaki and a nice new piece of highway, it means people will get a more reliable and safer journey.
“The challenge is when that reverts back to one lane and there is obviously congestion on those really busy periods. So we just advise people to just be careful and merge like a zip because we want everyone to just be courteous and kind, but also safety is the main thing.”
“When an incident does happen, we need to coordinate with the first responders so they can get to the accident and look out for the people.” Mark Owen NZTA regional manager for maintenance and operations