Preparations continue for Queenstown’s Tucker Beach Road intersection safety upgrade
Design and other background work is progressing on major safety improvements for the State Highway 6/ Tucker Beach Road intersection in Queenstown’s Frankton area.
The project would involve creating a safe, separate access out of Tucker Beach Road for people driving toward Queenstown, using an existing underpass below the nearby Shotover Bridge.
NZ Transport Agency Senior Project Manager Phil Dowsett says the initial time lines indicated for this project were contingent on no unexpected delays, and subject to funding approval. However, more extensive modelling and assessment were required, so initial timelines would not be met.
'The proposed local road connection from Quail Rise to Hawthorne Drive has been investigated and the implications of that are significant. The technical challenges around the gradient for trucks and the safe provision for cyclists warranted a more detailed investigation.'
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult is pleased to see work advancing on this challenging intersection.
'This is great news for residents of Quail Rise and Tucker Beach, who have long voiced their concerns about this intersection. Needless to say I’m very happy our residents’ concerns have been listened to. While I understand that the Transport Agency needs to confirm matters for their business case, I have every confidence this work will proceed.'
Other essential work has been completed including geotechnical investigations and concept design, while the detailed design and tender documentation is well advanced.
Some of Queenstown Lakes District’s water and wastewater services for the further development of Quail Rise will be incorporated with the design. Approval has also been given to invest the remaining $1.4 million Otago Regional Transport Funding in this project.
Mr Dowsett said a decision on construction funding is expected next month (February, 2018). If approved, work would be tendered soon after, aiming to have the intersection upgrade completed by the end of this year.
He thanked all drivers for taking care at Quail Rise/ Tucker Beach intersection in the meantime and reducing speeds.
