The western entrance to Wānaka is now much smoother and safer for road users thanks to the completion of a roundabout at the busy SH84/SH6 Mt Iron intersection, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
Work started on the $7 million, Crown-funded, five-legged roundabout in February 2023.
Aerial view of Mt Iron roundabout, now completed, with the road towards the commercial development at the bottom a work in progress.
“It is great to see the landscaping completed in time for the winter ski season and future-proofing built into this project with the fifth leg leading to the new commercial development at Mt Iron Junction,” says James Caygill, Director Regional Relationships NZTA.
“The roundabout is designed to meet the current and future transport needs of Wānaka people, visitors and businesses. With Queenstown Lakes District growing faster than most other New Zealand district council areas, we need to get ahead of developments wherever we can.”
The Mt Iron roundabout features median islands on the approaching legs to encourage safer vehicle speeds, dedicated crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists, and street-lighting. Landscaping work has seen the asphalting of pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, plantings, and rock features inside the roundabout’s 40-metre diameter centre circle.
The nearby Riverbank Road/Ballantyne Road roundabout being built by Queenstown Lakes District Council is likely to be completed late October, ahead of the summer season. It will be open for the winter period between spring/summer construction seasons. Information updates on Riverbank Road/ Ballantyne Road roundabout:
Wānaka Road Improvements Programme - QLDC(external link)
