The new roundabout that will increase safety at the State Highway 1 Tay Street intersection with Racecourse and Rockdale Roads, on the eastern entrance into Invercargill is now largely completed.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) let a contract to SouthRoads Ltd (award value $850,000) to build the roundabout in January. A new stormwater pipeline paid for by the Invercargill City Council was installed at the same time.
NZ Transport Agency Projects Team Manager State Highway Manager for Otago/Southland Simon Underwood says the new roundabout will help reduce the more than 40 crashes at the intersection in the past decade - nearly half of these resulted in people being injured.
“The new roundabout will also ease traffic congestion at this busy intersection especially during peak travel times.”
The project represents a major road safety investment in the region and supports the NZTA’s Safe System Approach to road safety, by reducing speeds through the intersection and making it easier for road users to cross, or turn to or from the highway Mr Underwood said.
"The roundabout will be sealed shortly. Pre-levelling is to take place this week, to create a smoother surface for road users, until either a temporary or final surface can be put in place. Pavement trials are being conducted, to indentify whether or not the final surface can be laid or if a temporary surface will be needed until later in the year when it is warm enough to seal again.
All remaining work including footpaths, landscaping and car parking at nearby shops should be completed within the next two weeks.
