Safer roadworks sites (2025)

Overview

Roadworks happen year-round all over New Zealand due to routine maintenance, for repairs following damange from extreme weather, and for infrastructure improvements.

We know that a lane closure is the most dangerous and disruptive part of roadworks. This report explores how to make this kind of work safer and more efficient with the driver in mind. 

The report reviews best practices from New Zealand and overseas, interviews industry experts, and recommends practical solutions. Key findings include:

• Better planning can reduce delays and improve safety—especially by grouping work and using full road closures outside peak times.
• Simpler setups can be just as safe and more efficient, especially for short-term or low-impact jobs.
• Technology like dynamic signs and speed cameras helps drivers understand and respond to work sites better.
• Driver behaviour matters—clear signage, credible speed limits, and active work zone alerts (like flashing signs when workers are present) improve compliance.
• Data is missing—more monitoring of safety and efficiency is needed to guide future improvements.

The report recommends trialing new approaches, improving public communication, and collecting better data to support smarter, safer work sites across New Zealand.

Report

Making work sites safer and more efficient - July 2025 (PDF, 2MB)