📋 Tender Overview
3pm
Due to bad weather delaying planned resurfacing works for the new roundabout, its opening has been delayed.
Weather permitting, the Flightys Road / Murphys Road roundabout on State Highway 58 is now expected to open on Tuesday, 12 May.
10am
Wellington drivers and regular users of State Highway 58 need to be ready for major road layout changes, with the new roundabout at Flightys/Murphys roads scheduled to open on Monday, 11 May (weather permitting).
Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, says it is a major milestone for the State Highway 58 Safety Improvements Project.
The new roundabout will also make it easier and safer for drivers on Flightys and Murphys roads to access the highway. It means they will no longer have to turn across oncoming vehicles or face lengthy queues in peak traffic times to turn onto the highway.
Safety is the focus of the project and improvements already completed are showing their worth. There have been 71 central median safety barrier strikes since October last year -- this is 71 times that barriers have prevented a vehicle from crossing into oncoming traffic and potentially causing a head-on crash, Mr Bhula says.
He says contractors are working at pace to get the roundabout ready for use next week. We ask for your patience as work crews do the final push to complete remaining works, Mr Bhula says.
He says the switch to the new layout will happen in two stages. Traffic heading to the Hutt Valley and vehicles coming from Flightys Road will be able to use the roundabout first.
Traffic heading west toward SH1/Transmission Gully will stay on the current alignment until the roundabout is fully complete. When the new layout opens, drivers will need to follow new give-way rules.
Mr Bhula warns it will be a big change, one that drivers will have to get used to.
With around 19,000 vehicles using this road every day, we are expecting additional delays and disruptions as everyone adjusts to the new arrangement. This is normal when road layouts change, and we expect things to settle in time.
Give yourself extra time when you are travelling. If possible, consider using alternative routes while work is underway, Mr Bhula says.
Work at the site will be ongoing as contractors continue building the Flightys Road roundabout. This includes a dedicated off-road bus pull-in bay/turnaround.
Temporary lower speed limits and traffic management will remain while these works continue. Residents and emergency services will continue to have full access.
Construction is also continuing on the new Moonshine Road roundabout further along the highway. Details on a switchover date for this site will be shared with the public once timing is confirmed.
More information:
SH58 safety improvements
Frequently asked questions
