Safer journeys in Taranaki are a step closer with construction of the State Highway 3/Princess Street roundabout and pedestrian and cyclist underpass in Waitara set to start next week.
Local contractor Fulton Hogan has been awarded the contract for construction – clearing the way for these important works to get underway.
“This is a significant milestone for the Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block safety improvements project, which will help reduce deaths and serious injuries on the busy section of highway north of New Plymouth,” says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Rob Partridge.
The Princess Street roundabout is the first of four roundabouts to be built as part of the project which also includes median barrier and other safety improvements.
Courtney Pratt, Regional Manager from Fulton Hogan, says her team is delighted to have been selected to construct the roundabout and underpass.
“We know the community will be pleased to see construction starting on the roundabout and pedestrian and cyclist underpass after several years of planning. We are looking forward to partnering with Waka Kotahi and mana whenua and building connections with the community and road users.”
Work on the roundabout will get underway next week and is expected to be complete by late 2024. Over the next few months, crews will be undertaking early works for the new wetland swale in Manukorihi Park which will treat stormwater runoff from the new roundabout.
Traffic management will be staged during construction of the roundabout and underpass to minimise disruption to residents and people using the road.
From 27 March for approximately two weeks, the intersection of Princess Street and SH3 will be controlled by four sets of traffic lights so crews can undertake tree clearing works.
People travelling through the area should allow an extra 15 minutes for their journeys. The wait times at the intersection will be closely monitored to ensure they do not exceed these times.
From 14 April for about three weeks, SH3 will be reduced to one lane from approximately 140m south of the Princess Street intersection, through to 100m north of the intersection. A 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place along this section of road and traffic will be controlled by Stop/Go traffic lights. People should allow for delays of up to 10 minutes.
There will be no access to SH3 to or from Princess Street West (Waitara side). People should use Bayly Street or Nelson Street to travel to and from Waitara during this time.
Access to and from Princess Street East (Tikorangi side) will remain open.
Safe crossing opportunities will be provided for pedestrians and cyclists crossing SH3 from Princess Street.
Crews will work Monday to Friday between the hours of 7am and 5.30pm. Night works may be carried out from time to time if required. We will notify residents and road users ahead of any night works taking place.
The remaining traffic management stages are currently being confirmed. We will advise residents and road users of these stages as soon as we can.
From 21 to 24 March, the project team will also be undertaking investigation works to inform the design of the Waitara Road roundabout.
Shoulder closures, temporary speed limit and Stop/Go traffic control may be in place while these works are carried out.
Waka Kotahi thanks the community for their patience while these important works are completed.
For further information on Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block and to sign up to email updates visit nzta.govt.nz/w2bb.
