Kapiti Road upgrade near completion

The major upgrade of Kpiti Road is on target for completion next week - and the opening is being accompanied by a publicity blitz to enable cyclists to understand how to master the innovative hook turn manoeuvre.

Contractors were this week putting the finishing touches to the signal wiring and lane markings.

The upgrade has involved widening the road to four lanes, creating a shared cycle/pedestrian pathway on the southern side of Kpiti Road and putting telecommunication services underground. Other enhancements include the installation of high-efficiency LED street lights, the construction of dedicated right-turn lanes into Milne Drive and Te Roto Drive, and installing traffic signals at the intersections.

To provide an extra-safe option for cyclists turning right into Te Roto Drive and right into Milne Drive, hook turn areas have been created where the cyclists wait to the left of the main traffic lanes.

Detectors sense the presence of the cyclists and set in motion the signal phasing. When they get a green signal, the cyclists can move safely across into the right-turn lane, where they wait for a green arrow to complete the turn.

Diagrams showing the manoeuvre will appear in local newspapers over the next two weeks. (The hook turn bays will initially feature white cycle markings on the black asphalt, but the bays will be painted with a green background when the asphalt has cured in a few weeks).

In addition, a video featuring Lego models has been produced by Kpiti College students. The video was shot on a set built to scale, measuring 4.8 metres by 3.6 metres, which will be on display for the next month in Paraparaumu Library along with some of the models of vehicles and buildings. The Lego movie will be playing alongside the display case and is being posted on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/user/KapitiCouncil/

New rule for trucks & heavy vehicles

When the new intersection becomes operational, heavy vehicles wishing to access the service lane in front of Right Cars will not be able to make a right turn from Te Roto Drive, as was allowed previously. They must instead head north on Te Roto Drive, turn at Sheffield Street and then come south in order to make a left turn into the service lane. When emerging from the service lane on to Te Roto Drive, no right turn is allowed for heavy vehicles.

The rule is "left in, left out" for trucks. Cars also cannot make a right turn into the service lane from Te Roto Drive but ARE allowed to turn right on to Te Roto Drive.

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Kapiti Road upgrade near completion