Proposed plan to reduce crashes between Blenheim and Nelson

Flexible barriers down the middle of the road to stop head-on crashes and rumble strips to give drivers a wakeup call are among road safety ideas proposed for a high-risk stretch of highway between Blenheim and Nelson.

Between 2008 and 2017, 19 people died and 90 were seriously injured in crashes between Blenheim and Nelson.

The NZ Transport Agency has released a proposed plan designed to reduce crashes causing death and serious injury on State Highway 6, and everyone is encouraged to have their say on the plan.

Transport Agency System Manager Pete Connors says the project team will hold community events in Blenheim, Havelock, Rai Valley and Nelson to share information and get feedback on the proposed safety improvements.

“We have been investigating ways to make this road safer, as too many people are being killed and seriously injured in crashes,” Mr Connors says.

“To make sure we get things right, we asked people who use the road what makes this road feel unsafe and what worries them the most. We used this feedback, alongside our research, to shape this plan. Road users and the community now have an opportunity to comment on what we’ve come up with.”

People who are unable to attend one of the community events can find out more and have their say at nzta.govt.nz/b2n or by emailing evan.freshwater@saferoads.co.nz

Event details
What:    Community event
Where: Nelson Saturday Market,Montgomery Square
When: 8am – 1pm