Queenstown’s first set of traffic signals, at the intersection of Ballarat and Stanley Streets, on the state highway, will be operational in the next few days.
These signals are the first of two sets, the other being at the intersection of Shotover and Stanley Streets, which replace roundabouts in downtown Queenstown. These projects are a joint safety initiative of the NZ Transport Agency and Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Pedestrian safety and managing congestion at peak times, given the continuing growth of the district, is the primary reason for the switch to traffic signals from roundabouts, said Tony Sizemore, Transport Planning Manager for the Transport Agency.
Once the communications are connected, signals tested and the road marked up, they will be switched on. “New road layout” signs on all the approaches will alert road users and pedestrians to the change for the next four weeks.
'The traffic signal timings will adjust automatically with traffic volumes, and they can also be remotely managed to cope with changing traffic patterns in and around Queenstown on a daily and seasonal basis,' said Tony Sizemore.
'The Downer crew has been working around a busy traffic and pedestrian area making as little disruption as possible,' said Tony Sizemore. 'They had to work safely around a myriad of underground services installing the traffic signal pole foundations and we appreciate the patience shown by the community during periods of disruption.'
The second set of lights should be completed around mid-June, before the Queenstown Winter Festival starts on 24 June.
Photo taken on Ballarat St last week
