Mount Iron roundabout construction in Wanaka set to begin

An upgrade to the SH6/ SH84 intersection at Mt Iron, near Wanaka, will begin construction in February.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has awarded the $5 million project to Fulton Hogan who will lead the construction.

The build, a 40 metre-diameter, single-lane, five leg roundabout, is expected to take about a year to complete.

Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill says it will be welcome news for the community.

“We know this intersection is a busy one particularly over the summer period when congestion is at its peak.  The nature of the existing staggered T junction makes it challenging and has resulted in multiple crashes in recent years.

“This project is part of our Road to Zero Safe Infrastructure Programme, being delivered across New Zealand.  Its construction will reduce the likelihood of crashes and increase safety for all those who use it.”

Principal Project Manager Brendon French says a significant portion of the roundabout can be built off-line, near the site.

“This will lessen the impact on road users and allows us to limit delays where possible.  The design of the roundabout shifts the intersection to the north slightly which means most of the roundabout can be constructed off-line.  However, disruption will be unavoidable as each leg into the roundabout will need to be realigned.

“While we estimate this will take a year to complete this is also dependent on labour and material availability in addition to weather conditions.”

The intention is to have the bulk of the roundabout construction complete prior to winter and complete the tie in legs and surfacing in the spring.

Winter means challenging conditions, particularly for pavement and surfacing activities, so while there will likely still be activity on site it will be limited to activities on the peripheries, such as footpaths and lighting.

Key Features

• A 40 metre-diameter, single-lane roundabout (similar in size to the Three Parks roundabout, Tim Wallis Drive).
• Improved and safer traffic flows through the intersection.
• Safer connections to the highway and local road networks.
• Median islands on the approaches to encourage reduced speeds.
• Safer crossing connections for people walking and cycling.
• Reduced likelihood of serious crashes causing injury.
• Deliver project benefits within the 22/23 financial year.
• Future proof the design with a 5th leg to proposed development.
• Improved stormwater system.
• Improved street lighting and new landscaping plans.

Safety record

Data between 2011 and 2020 shows one person was seriously injured at the intersection, 18 people suffered minor injuries and there were 21 crashes which resulted in no significant injuries.

Artist impression of the new Mt Iron roundabout.