The NZTA has awarded the contract to Beca Consultants for a project to develop the long term solution for the Maunganui/Girven Road intersection in Tauranga.
The existing roundabout on State Highway 2 is one of the busiest intersections in Tauranga City. Traffic volumes have steadily increased over the last 10 years to more than 35,000 vehicles per day including approximately 2,200 heavy commercial vehicles. The roundabout frequently causes significant delays to road users.
Rod James, the NZTA’s State Highway Manager says the project aims to ease congestion and improve safety for all road users at this busy intersection.
“The project includes surveying and modelling current and predicted volumes of traffic, consulting with road users and residents, undertaking geotechnical testing, examining crash data records, and assessing the potential social and environmental impacts of any upgrade.
“It will also consider all previously-identified options, including a signalised roundabout and a two or four lane fly-over, and identify the preferred option. An important part of the project involves developing a design for the preferred option to the point where a reliable construction cost can be determined.”
The project will get underway immediately the preferred option is due to be identified in late 2011.
