Safety improvements at the intersection of Cable Bay Road and SH6, near Nelson, are a step closer with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) approving the go-ahead for detailed design on the preferred option.
It is expected this design phase will be completed by the end of the year. Once construction funding is available it is expected the project will cost $1.5 million, and take six months to complete. The intersection is near Hira, about 15 kilometres from Nelson on SH6 to Blenheim.
Marlborough Roads manager Frank Porter says that to address the ongoing crash history and significant community concerns at this intersection, a range of options have been developed, analysed and consulted on during the past nine months’ investigation phase
“We now have an option that meets the project’s key objectives so the NZTA is funding next step of the project’s development – the detailed design phase,” says Mr Porter.
The option involves realigning Cable Bay Road to the east of its current location, improving site distances for vehicles using the intersection, and widening the state highway so a right-hand turn bay can be installed. The turn bay will separate turning traffic from through traffic. The option includes creating an improved access and car park for St John the Evangelist church.
Mr Porter says the detailed design phase includes the preparation and lodgement of planning consents needed to carry out the road construction work. It also includes finalising design details, ranging from soil investigation, through to road markings and signage.
The chosen option requires property outside the current road corridor, and directly affected landowners have been contacted to discuss the land purchase process.
ENDS
See the following attachment for a schematic outline of the main features of the approved option (PDF, 111 KB, 1 page).
