Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has opted for a left-turn in only to improve safety at the Mutton Town Road/Clyde-Alexandra Road SH8 intersection, rather than the full closure proposed and consulted on last year.
Safety was the main reason for proposing a full, permanent closure of the Mutton Town Road/Clyde-Alexandra Highway intersection, says Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships James Caygill.
There’s been one fatal and two non-injury crashes at this intersection in the last five years.
“It’s also in response to work by both the Central Otago District Council and Waka Kotahi on the Council’s Clyde Plan Change 15 (www.codc.govt.nz/publications/plans/district-plan(external link) - under plan changes).
“Safety deficiencies make the intersection unsuitable to manage traffic growth at this area from major land development changes. The cost of an upgrade isn’t justified with a safer alternative nearby at the Sunderland Street intersection.”
Nearly 50 submissions were received and carefully considered before deciding on a left-turn in only at this intersection rather than a full closure. Several submitters preferred this option.
A left-turn in only provides a safe option and retains access for those travelling from Alexandra to the Dunstan Hospital and onto Clyde. Future upgrades planned at the nearby SH8/Sunderland Street intersection including a separated left-turn in traffic lane will further manage safety for drivers using this intersection, James Caygill says.
Design and construction funding has been approved and subject to contractor availability, is expected to start later this year.
