Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency would like to hear from the community about our proposal to build a roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Raynes Road, south of Hamilton.
We are proposing building a single-laned roundabout to replace the current T-intersection, with shared paths to help cyclists and walkers to navigate the intersection safely and a raised safety platform on the Raynes Rd approach.
“Building a roundabout at this intersection will make the trip along State Highway 3 safer and make it easier for traffic to turn from Raynes Road on to the Highway,” says Waka Kotahi Regional Manager for Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/BoP, Jo Wilton.
Between 2011 and 2021, there have been 30 crashes at this intersection resulting in one death, five people seriously injured and twelve others with minor injuries. The majority of these crashes are caused by motorists turning right onto SH3 from Raynes Road.
“With all the growth to the south of Hamilton, through the Peacocke Development and the development at Titanium Park near Hamilton Airport, this intersection will continue to be busy, making it all the more important that we address safety,” Ms Wilton says.
We are aiming to complete the roundabout design soon, with the goal of starting construction later in 2023.
Funding for construction has not yet been confirmed however completing pre-implementation ensures we are well placed to seek funding for construction in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
The total estimated cost for the project is around $8 million.
As an interim safety measure an intersection speed zone (ISZ) has been planned for Raynes Road, however the construction date for this has yet to be confirmed.
An ISZ would detect when traffic is approaching Raynes Road on SH3 and temporarily reduce the speed limit on the highway to 60kmh from 80kmh.
For more information about the project, including how to send us your thoughts, visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/sh3raynesrd
Feedback closes at 5pm on Friday 9 June.
