Waipa District Council and NZ Transport Agency are recommending a large roundabout be installed at Hanlin and Cambridge Roads to significantly improve road safety.
Initial plans to significantly improve road safety at Hanlin and Cambridge Roads have been revealed.
Waipa District Council and NZ Transport Agency want improvements at the popular intersection that provides access to the Avantidrome, St Peter’s School, the Te Awa River Ride track, a bike skills park, a café and a gym. To do so, they are recommending a large roundabout be installed.
If it goes ahead, the roundabout component is estimated to cost between $3-4 million funded by Waipa District Council and NZ Transport Agency.
Around 10,000 vehicles pass through the intersection every day and service delivery manger Barry Bergin says safety is the number one concern. The intersection has seen 12 accidents over the last five years, including one fatal accident.
“The high speed traffic in the area means it can be dangerous for anyone using the intersection. Pair that with increasing traffic demands and predicted growth and it’s clear we need to provide a safer intersection that works for all road users.”
Around 10,000 vehicles pass through the intersection every day.
Council and NZ Transport Agency’s preferred option is a roundabout as it would cope with peak traffic and, based on experience elsewhere, will result in far fewer serious incidents. Road safety experts have also recommended pedestrian refuge points to allow walkers and cyclists to cross the road safely.
“Building pedestrian refuge points means people walking and on bikes can pause safely in the centre of the road before crossing to the other side. We could also add pedestrian controlled traffic lights at a later date as traffic increases but before we finalise anything we want to know what the community thinks.”
Other options being considered include an underpass and pedestrian controlled traffic lights (like those installed near Williams Street in Cambridge). Council is also seeking feedback on what should be in the centre of the roundabout – planting, a feature garden, specimen trees, a sculpture or lighting feature.
The community is invited to an open day to discuss the project and talk to the team on Thursday 14 September, anytime between 2-6pm at the Avantidrome.
Feedback is open until 6 October 2017. Depending on community feedback, construction of a roundabout is tentatively scheduled for 2018/19. Have your say online at www.waipadc.govt.nz/haveyoursay or pick up the plans and a feedback form from Council offices and libraries.
