A new roundabout at the intersection of Clutha Street, Killarney Street and Centennial Avenue is one of the key features of a $1.4M NZ Transport Agency upgrade to improve Centennial Avenue (State Highway 8) in Alexandra.
The project, scheduled to get underway in October and due for completion in April 2011, extends from the Killarney Street/Clutha Street/Centennial Avenue intersection to north of the new SH8/85 intersection roundabout that was competed about 9 months ago.
Project Manager John Jarvis says that upgrading the Clutha Street/Killarney Street/Centennial Avenue intersection with a roundabout will improve traffic flow and provide increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The project will also see resurfacing work carried out to improve the quality of the existing road surface that is nearing the end of its economic life.
Mr Jarvis stated that the project “will also extend the cycle lanes that were recently installed in upper Tarbert Street and at the SH8/85 roundabout. This is the next stage of the NZTA’s commitment to the Central Otago District Council’s walking and cycling strategy. A new crossing between Moa Street and Brandon Street will greatly improve pedestrian safety on this busy section of State Highway 8”.
He also says that part of the project involves providing safer car parks in the Golden Block by replacing the current angle parks with parallel parks to accommodate new cycle lanes and the development of a safer central pedestrian refuge. Additional new car parking will be established nearby. Up to six trees may need to be removed. Where possible, and in consultation with the Central Otago District Council, these will be either replanted or replaced.
In conjunction with this project, the Central Otago District Council has started water and storm water infrastructure upgrades in the SH8 road reserve – this work should be finished by the end of next month.
Mr Jarvis added that for most of the construction period, two traffic lanes will be available along Centennial Avenue, and every effort will be made to minimise disruptions to road users as well as those who live and work in the area.
