At Whitcher Grove in Wainuiomata, a Sliding Road Beam controls access to Reservoir Road and the Wainuiomata Recreation Area, an inviting spot on the Hutt Valley’s urban fringe for family outings and picnics. The area is closed to traffic from 6.00pm (8.00pm during summer) to 6.00am nightly, to protect the natural environment including a kiwi population. The park ranger really loves the fact the gate can be activated by remote control.
Greater Wellington also installed an SRB at the SH2 vehicle entrance to Kaitoke Regional Park. Kaitoke is one of Wellington’s most popular outdoor places to visit. An area of 2860 hectares in the Tararua Ranges foothills where the spectacular Hutt River Gorge pierces the natural bush-clad slopes and where people come to picnic, swim, walk and camp, Kaitoke Regional Park requires effective traffic management. The Sliding Road Beam provides just that, to the full satisfaction of council rangers and management alike.
Another Greater Wellington Sliding Road Beam installation controls after-hours vehicle access at Tunnel Gully, Upper Hutt.
Nestled at the foot of Mount Climie, Tunnel Gully Recreation Area is popular for picnics, mountain biking and walking through the remnant native bush. Named for its link with the historic Rimutaka Railway, Tunnel Gully features the 253m long Mangaroa Tunnel built between 1875 and 1877. The tunnel’s working life ended in 1955 when the new Rimutaka Tunnel was opened.