Tasman SH60 intersection improvement underway
New Zealand’s government has begun safety upgrades to a high-crash Tasman intersection linking SH60 with Pugh and McShane Roads near Richmond, following 22 incidents since 2021.
The Transport Minister confirmed design work has started on improvements to the SH60 (Appleby Highway), Pugh Road and McShane Road junction after community concerns over repeated crashes. The intersection serves a busy freight, agriculture and tourism corridor connecting Richmond to destinations including Māpua, Motueka and Abel Tasman National Park. Officials noted the site has recorded 22 crashes since 2021, most involving crossing or turning movements at the junction.
The crossing is adjacent to a retail and hospitality hub and currently carries about 12,000 vehicles daily, with traffic volumes rising as Richmond expands. The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and WSP-Stantec will collaborate with Tasman District Council, landowners, residents and businesses during the design phase. Community input will be sought as plans develop for the intersection upgrade.
Once the design is finalised, construction funding will be assessed as part of the 2027–30 National Land Transport Programme. The government says the work reflects its focus on addressing known safety pressures on South Island roads. Earlier investments include a $20 million Budget 2026 commitment to improve resilience on SH620 Tākaka Hill.
Transport funding in the Top of the South has increased 66 percent to $479 million for 2024–27 under the NLTP, while the wider South Island has seen a 42 percent rise over the same period. The minister highlighted these investments as part of broader efforts to upgrade regional transport networks.