Audio Tactile Profiled (ATP) Markings on rural shoulders

NZTA commissioned ViaStrada to review the corridors in the Safety Boost programme and identify areas where installing (or not) audio-tactile profiled (ATP) line-markings would increase the safety risk for cyclists on these routes. The Safety Boost programme is a $22.5 million programme of work to add a range of low-cost safety improvements to make 30 lower-volume regional state highways safer. The roads are located in Northland, Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui, Canterbury, Otago and Southland and were upgraded with ATP line-markings ("rumble strips"), better signs, and in some instances safety barrier targeting high risk locations. There was some concern however, that poorly located ATP markings may cause difficulties for people cycling along these routes.

ViaStrada reviewed ATP installation issues on various corridors in the southern half of the South Island, including sections of State Highways 6, 8, 8A, 83, 90, 94, 96, and 99. Recommendations for each corridor (in terms of the start/end locations for each section of ATP) were provided to the Client. ViaStrada also assisted in refining the national guidance for installing ATP along cycle routes, including some field work in Central Otago to check the practicalities of the proposals.