Sideling pull off bays closed

• One of the former pull off bays along the Sideling has been railed off under the new road development sparking safety outrage by users. 

April 26, 2023

By Taylor Clyne 

The practicality and positioning of new railing installed along the Sideling Road where the $120 million redevelopment is taking place has come into question by regular road users.

With previously well-known and used pull of areas being nailed shut by railing giving little opportunity for vehicles to get off the road to allow others to pass when required.

Deputy Mayor Dale Jessup said it was extremely disappointing to see at least one of the previous well used pull off area be closed off.

“The practicality of this decision is baffling.

“On one hand I’m very pleased to see the Armco railing with an extra rail along the bottom used as we have many motorcyclists using the road, creating a safe barrier, but on the other to close off areas where people can and do get off the road is appalling.”

Mr Jessup said areas like these were often used by people to pull off and make a phone call, sort their children out or when mechanical issues occurred.

“Our truck drivers are also very accommodating and always try to get off the road when they can.

“It would have been so easy to go in and around with the railing.

“I hope this is not the trend they [State Growth] will be continuing further up the Sideling and the pull off bays up there are maintained,” he said. 

A State Growth departmental spokesperson said the current stage of the Tasman Highway upgrade at the Sideling will include two slow vehicle stopping bays. 

“They will improve safety by providing formal sealed bays where slow vehicles can stop rather than the variety of informal areas that have previously been used. 

“The two locations have been chosen as the safest places for vehicles to
pull over.”

Work was paused on the project over Easter and resumed last Monday April 17.