BLOCKED: The slip in the Waimana Gorge. Photo Louis Klaassen D4061-16
A WITNESS to a two-vehicle accident in the Waimana Gorge last week says warning signs approaching a slip were inadequate.
Maui Te Pou was travelling behind the two vehicles involved in the nose-to-tail collision at 4.30pm on Thursday, August 11.
“Two north bound vehicles approached the single lane and the first car stopped to allow a logging truck through, whilst the second stopped but skidded into the lead vehicle.”
Mr Te Pou said there were insufficient signs and safety warnings, and theywere not adequately visible to warn traffic approaching the slip.
He said loose metal, noticeable on both approaches to the single lane area, contributed to the accident.
Mr Te Pou said there were signs indicating the slip but they were placed too close to the site.
“By the time you get to see [them] it’s a bit too late.”
He said he had seen enough safety signs in his life to know the warnings at the Waimana Gorge were not adequate. He also said he did not see any give way signs approaching the slip.
“There should be a pre-warning before you get to the warning.”
The slip occurred on August 8 at 3am. On Wednesday the road re-opened with one lane and stop-go traffic management in place.
A New Zealand Transport Agency spokeswoman said outside of work hours, approximately 4pm until 7am, a priority give way sign would be in place and motorists would need to give way if they did not have the right of way.
NZTA Bay of Plenty highway manager Niclas Johansson said the agency was aware of the incident and was glad to hear no one was seriously injured.
“The contractors who stopped at the incident were not working on the Waimana site and were on their way home.
“They saw the two vehicles involved and stopped to try and ensure all other motorists were safe.”
Mr Johansson said there was standard traffic control in place.
“There were two sets of advance warning signs, a temporary speed restriction and give-way priority signs. Further safety improvements have also been made since the incident.”
Gritting chip, like that used for icy roads, had been placed on parts of the road to ensure dirt did not make the surface slippery.
Mr Johansson said road safety was of the utmost importance to the agency and its contractors and strict traffic control measures were put in place at all work sites to meet safety requirements.