The NZ Transport Agency and Matamata-Piako District Council are advising construction will start on a new semi-permanent roundabout to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection of State Highway 26 and Avenue Road in Morrinsville next month.
Transport Agency Director Regional Relationships Ross I’Anson says the roundabout is a fantastic outcome for the Morrinsville community, which has raised concerns about this busy intersection.
“We’ve listened to the community’s concerns and worked closely with the council to identify a way forward.
“The roundabout isn’t the final solution for this intersection, and other options for a permanent upgrade in the future are being investigated. The semi-permanent roundabout will improve safety in the short term and allow us to trial a roundabout layout. This knowledge can then be applied to a permanent solution,” says Mr I’Anson.
As part of the works, a temporary 50km/h speed limit will be extended from the current 50km/h signs west of the intersection, approximately 170m towards Hamilton. This will help ensure vehicles approaching the semi-permanent roundabout from the Hamilton direction do so at a lower speed.
The project is welcome news to Matamata-Piako Mayor Jan Barnes who says she is thrilled with the outcome, which comes after months of ‘tireless lobbying’ on behalf of Morrinsville residents.
“Safety for our residents and visitors is paramount, it’s why our Council have been advocating to improve safety at this intersection. I am so pleased we could partner with NZTA to get the wheels turning on this project.”
“Construction of the semi-permanent roundabout will be timed to ensure as little disruption to traffic as possible and work on the roundabout is expected to start in October and be completed by the end of the year,” says Mr I’Anson.
Earlier this year a new asphalt surface was laid, a centre island installed and widened the corners on Avenue Road South.
The Transport Agency would like to thank motorists and the wider community for their patience during the works period.
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