Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can look forward to safer and easier movements through the Quarantine Road roundabout on SH6, with work now underway on an upgrade expected to be completed in July.
NZ Transport Agency regional performance manager Mark Owen says the joint project NZ Transport Agency/Nelson City Council project will future proof the intersection to cater for significant increases in traffic volumes projected over the next 20 years, maintaining the high level of service that road users expect from the state highway network and making the intersection safer for cyclists and pedestrians.”
The $2.2m roundabout upgrade will be carried out at the same time as road strengthening work is undertaken by Nelson City Council between Nayland Road and State Highway 6.
“By working together on key arterial route upgrades with the council we’re aiming to minimise disruption to the travelling public,” Mr Owen said.
The new roundabout design’s layout (as shown in the diagram above) will include:
Work on site commenced earlier this week, with contractors starting work away from the road to avoid disrupting holiday traffic. Once traffic volumes have reduced in March, the main work will begin and run through to July.
Speed restrictions will be in place for the duration of the work and traffic will, at some times, be restricted to a single lane. Regular updates will be provided to keep road users informed of the work.
Chair of the Regional Transport Committee, Councillor Ruth Copeland, says the Quarantine Road upgrade is a great example of the benefits of collaboration between Council and the Transport Agency.
“Both Council and the Transport Agency have essential utility upgrades planned for our key arterial routes in the coming months. It makes sense to work together on projects such as this to maximise economic efficiency and keep disruption to road users to a minimum.”
