SH29 Safety Concerns: Calls for Right-Turn Bays After Crash Risks Rise

Concerns Mount Over Dangerous Right Turns on State Highway 29 Near Tauranga

Cars stopping in passing lanes to turn right on State Highway 29 (SH29) over the Kaimai Range are creating a profoundly unsafe situation, prompting calls for urgent action from local MPs and residents. The key freight and commuter route, connecting Tauranga, Hamilton, and Auckland, is experiencing issues with drivers attempting right turns without dedicated turning bays, leading to near-misses and fears for public safety.

The concerns center on several locations along the highway, including near Kaimai School, at the intersections of Thorn Road and Old Kaimai Road, and Poripori Road. Locals report witnessing vehicles halting in 100km/h passing lanes to wait for an opportunity to turn, forcing oncoming traffic to swerve to avoid collisions. Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell and Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford have jointly written to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Transport Minister Chris Bishop, outlining the dangers and requesting immediate safety improvements.

“Having cars stopped in overtaking lanes trying to turn right while trucks and cars are racing along in all three lanes at 100km/h is an incredibly unsafe situation,” their joint statement said. Residents have expressed fears for their children and loved ones, with some suggesting the dangerous conditions are discouraging attendance at Kaimai School, where enrolment is now under 70 students as parents opt for schools in Tauranga.

A History of Near Misses and Crashes

The issue isn’t new. Concerns have been raised for years, with residents and school officials previously appealing to NZTA for better signaling and infrastructure. Wayne Lowry, chairman of the Kaimai Omanawa Rural Ratepayers Association, highlighted the ongoing problem at a recent Bay of Plenty Regional Transport Committee meeting, stating it was “only a matter of time before a serious crash” occurred. He recounted a specific instance where a driver was forced to stop in a passing lane to turn right, describing the terrifying experience of having cars and trucks speeding past at 100km/h.

One resident shared a harrowing experience of nearly being hit while attempting a right turn, stating she “thought she was going to die.” Uffindell corroborated these accounts, having spoken with numerous residents who have witnessed similar dangerous scenarios. He described drivers being forced to swerve to avoid stationary vehicles, creating a highly precarious situation.

What’s Being Done – and What’s Proposed?

Currently, NZTA is implementing a variable speed limit of 60km/h outside Kaimai School, scheduled for completion before July 1. This will be active during school drop-off and pick-up times (8am-9am and 2.20pm-3pm), and can be activated for up to 10 minutes during especially busy school events.

However, MPs and local representatives are advocating for more comprehensive solutions. Their letter to NZTA and the Transport Minister proposes several specific fixes:

• Kaimai School: Remove the overtaking lane outside the school, introduce an 80km/h zone through the school area, and implement variable speed signs.
• Thorn Rd and Old Kaimai Rd: End the overtaking lane earlier and convert the disestablished section into a dedicated right-turn bay.
• Poripori Rd: Install a right-turn bay and, if necessary, adjust the road entrance to accommodate it.
• Soldiers Rd: Redesign the sharp turn into this road to make it less abrupt and reduce the need for drivers to slow down significantly on SH29.

These proposals are supported by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s three Kaimai ward councillors and the Kaimai Omanawa Rural Ratepayers Association.

The Role of Road Design and Driver Behavior

Bay of Plenty Police District road policing manager, Inspector Phil Gillbanks, emphasized the importance of proper driving technique. He noted that road safety regulations require drivers to pull to the left when intending to turn right, rather than stopping in the middle of the road. However, he acknowledged that this maneuver can be challenging and potentially dangerous, as it requires crossing multiple lanes of traffic.

The core of the problem appears to be a lack of appropriate infrastructure to safely accommodate right-turning traffic. Without dedicated turning bays, drivers are forced to make difficult and risky decisions, increasing the potential for accidents. The current road layout, with overtaking lanes ending abruptly near intersections, exacerbates the issue.

A Long-Standing Issue with a Potential Solution

Kaimai School principal Matthew Jackson confirmed that NZTA is addressing the issue with variable speed limits, and expressed confidence that these, combined with enforcement, will significantly improve safety. He also noted that the school has not seen a decline in attendance directly attributable to the road conditions.

NZTA acknowledges the concerns and states that several safety improvements have been made on the route over the past decade, with more planned. These include additional line markings and improved signage warning of approaching intersections and turning vehicles.

The situation on SH29 highlights the critical need for ongoing investment in road safety infrastructure, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes and challenging road conditions. While the planned improvements are a positive step, the long-term solution likely involves a more comprehensive redesign of key intersections to provide dedicated turning bays and improve traffic flow. You can find more information about road safety initiatives in New Zealand on the NZTA website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/.

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