A heritage-listed pohutukawa tree on State Highway 6 in Greymouth is to be removed because of the safety risk it poses for road users.
The NZ Transport Agency has applied for resource consent to remove the tree at the corner of High Street (SH6) and Buccleugh Street.
The Transport Agency's Senior Asset Manager West Coast Mark Pinner says the pohutukawa tree was cut down some years ago but the stump never removed.
"New young growth from the stump has formed into a bush creating major issues with visibility for drivers turning out of Buccleugh Street.
"This has resulted in some near misses, and a number of complaints, as motorists have to pull out into oncoming traffic along High Street to see when turning at the intersection."
Mr Pinner says the bush will be cut out and the tree stump and root system completely removed.
The tree is listed on the Grey District Council's Historic Tree Register. "The Grey District Council is supportive of the removal of the tree because of the safety issues it is creating at the intersection.
"All other pohutukawa trees along this section of SH6 are healthy, pose no safety risks and will remain," he says.
