Rotorua motorists are advised to expect further delays on State Highway 30/Te Ngae Road near the Sala Street intersection next week.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says contractors will be busy working to complete the majority of the intersection’s upgrade prior to Christmas, as part of the Eastern Corridor Stage One project.
This work involves additional lane closures to allow work to be completed in the median islands, and a complete resurfacing of the intersection.
Delays are expected as a result of these works and may be significant at times.
Portfolio Manager Jo Wilton says completing this work before the Christmas break will reduce congestion during the busy summer holiday period and prevents contractors needing to return in January, causing further delays.
“We appreciate that delays at this time of year can be frustrating, however this next week or so will allow us to leave the intersection in a much better place for the holiday season.
“We thank motorists for their patience during this time.”
As part of the wider Stage One project, several other work sites will also be active on the corridor this week.
Waka Kotahi reminds motorists to plan for delays, allow extra time for their journeys and take extra care when travelling through work sites to ensure the safety of themselves, other road users and road workers.
Day works at Sala Street intersection
From Monday to Friday lane closures will be in place on SH30/Te Ngae Road at the intersection – eastbound between 7am-3pm and westbound between 9am-3pm.
One lane will be operating in each direction during this time, with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Contractors will be working in the central median island areas either end of the intersection and in the footpath areas adjacent to the road.
Delays are expected as a result of these closures and may be significant at peak times.
Night works at Sala Street intersection
The intersection will undergo a full resurface this week. This work is being completed overnight to minimise the impact on traffic.
The resurface is scheduled to take place overnight from Monday 14 December to Friday 18 December (excluding Tuesday night), between 6pm and 6am.
On Monday night one lane will be running in each direction on SH30/Te Ngae Road, with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place.
For Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights either the eastbound or westbound lanes will be closed, with both directions of traffic utilising one side of the road. A temporary speed limit of 50km/h will be in place.
During these nights access into and out of Sala Street will be closed, and a detour will be in place.
The detour for traffic wanting to access Sala Street/Hemo roundabout is via Te Ngae Road and Fenton Street.
The detour for traffic coming from Sala Street is via SH5/Old Taupō Road, right into SH30A/Amohau Street and onto SH30/Te Ngae Road.
Due to the lower volumes of traffic, delays at night are expected to be minimal.
Motorists are asked to take extra care through the intersection during the day as the road may look different than normal. Temporary line marking will be in place.
Other Stage One work sites active next week
A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place at the above work sites while contractors are on site – excluding the shoulder closures outside Repco and Neil Hunt Park. Outside of work hours the road will operate as normal.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to walk or cycle around all worksites. Where required, staff can assist pedestrians past the site safely.
In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, work may be postponed. Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.
The construction work on Stage One will be shut down from Wednesday 23 December 2020 to Monday 11 January 2021.
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