Written by: Lois Williams, Local Democracy Reporter
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has issued an apology and has committed to investigating the issue after West Coast Regional Council chair Peter Haddock reported that hundreds of road marker pegs were missing on State Highway 73, east of Arthur’s Pass.
Haddock brought up the issue at a recent meeting of the Regional Transport Committee, highlighting the stark contrast in maintenance standards between the east and west sides of the pass.
“It’s like entering a different country.”
During a recent trip to Christchurch with committee chair Peter Ewen, both individuals noticed significant gaps in the side marker pegs.
Upon a second trip this week, Haddock took it upon himself to count the missing pegs.
“I had my wife drive while I counted – and there were a total of 395 pegs missing or damaged between Klondike Corner and Darfield – these markers are crucial for night-time driving and pose a significant safety hazard,” Haddock stated.
On the return journey, only one marker peg was found missing between Otira and Kumara Junction.
Haddock also noted a noticeable lack of maintenance east of the Pass.
“Every bridge and guard rail on the West Coast had a marker but there’s vast areas, like Porters Pass and the Bealey Bluffs, where there are no markers or guard rails, and the subsidence is severe … I challenge NZTA to address this.”
Conversely, Haddock commended the recent good maintenance of West Coast roads, including seal surface patching.
“It’s like driving on glass compared to the roads over the hill – they’re significantly substandard, so thank you for that – we are fortunate.”
Haddock also advocated for better-maintained areas on road sides to allow slow vehicles to safely pull over and let other traffic pass.
“I see this every time I drive these routes – people passing through our region to admire the scenery, and they’re not traveling at 100kmh.
“There are numerous unmaintained areas on the side of the roads, and trucks or camper vans won’t pull over if it means risking damage,” Haddock explained.
This situation leads to safety risks as traffic accumulates behind slow vehicles, prompting drivers to make dangerous passing maneuvers, according to Haddock.
NZTA chief advisor Ian Duncan, who attended the meeting via video link, expressed his gratitude to Haddock for highlighting the issue of missing marker pegs east of Arthur’s Pass.
“If you observe any defects, please report them to us so we can address them with the contractors.
“I will personally investigate this matter, and I apologize for the absence of the pegs – I will ensure that this is rectified,” Duncan assured.
NZTA will also review the availability of pull-over areas.
“Your concerns are not unique, especially with the rise in tourism numbers,” Duncan acknowledged.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
