The Gore District Council has installed blue flashing warning lights on a section of road renown for becoming icy in winter in a bid to improve motorists’ safety.
Specialised raised pavement markers were installed last week on either side of a 100m section of Crawford Road, near Mataura. The markers activate when the ground temperature drops to freezing, displaying a blue flashing light to warn drivers there could be ice on the road.
Transport Manager Peter Standring said he has seen the markers successfully trialled in Otago but believed this is the first time they have been used in Southland.
“This section of road, near the intersection with Waddell Road, is a known trouble spot due to shading from the nearby plantation. The flashing lights should cause drivers to slow down and thereby reduce the risk of an accident.”
Six lights are in place, three on each side of the road. They are solar powered and expected to last for a number of seasons before needing to be replaced.