Southland’s newest roundabout linking Invercargill and the Bluff highway will increase safety and result in fewer crashes, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Southland’s newest roundabout linking Invercargill and the Bluff highway will increase safety and result in fewer crashes, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
The $5 million roundabout at the Elles Road/ State Highway 1 intersection in Invercargill formally opened today. As well as Invercargill-based MP Dr Liz Craig, representatives of iwi, the Invercargill City Council, the community and contractors and Waka Kotahi were present. Construction work began early in 2021, by construction contractor Fulton Hogan.
Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships James Caygill describes the intersection as “high-risk” due to the number and frequency of crashes, including 12 people injured, three of them seriously, over the last 10 years.
The Elles Road roundabout looking south. This aerial photo above was taken in January this year, courtesy Fulton Hogan.
Before the project got underway at the end of 2020
Kaiwhakahaere Dean Whaanga of Te Runaka o Awarua performs the blessing for this new roundabout. To his right is manawhenua representative Evelyn Cook of Waihōpai Runaka
“This investment supports our Road to Zero strategy of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads by 2050,” says Mr Caygill.
“It will result in fewer crashes and increased safety for everyone who uses this stretch of road.
“With a 50-metre central diameter it’s the largest highway roundabout in Invercargill and will provide better connections to nearby cycling and walking paths. Cyclists and pedestrians can move through the roundabout safely, separated from traffic at dedicated safe crossing points.”
It also comfortably accommodates the many large trucks using this section of SH1 to service nearby industries and South Port.
Traffic modelling shows a roundabout provided the best safety outcomes for all road users by reducing high risk vehicle movements at road crossing points and lowering overall traffic speeds, says Mr Caygill.
“It will improve road freight journeys, and provide safer connections to communities, in addition to providing greater access for everyone travelling around the district.”
A unique Southland wetland near the new roundabout site used to provide water quality treatment for water run-off from the existing road network, has been improved and upgraded as part of this project. Waka Kotahi has worked closely with its transport partners, the Invercargill City Council, Department of Conservation and local iwi on this part of the roundabout project.
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