New traffic signals critical to a major NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) $2 million safety upgrade of State Highway 1 through Washdyke, will be directing traffic from tomorrow (1 April).
New traffic signals critical to a major NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) $2 million safety upgrade of State Highway 1 through Washdyke, will be directing traffic from tomorrow (1 April).
The signals, at the intersections of Seadown Road, Hilton Highway and Racecourse Road, will improve right turning access from the residential and industrial area to the east of State Highway 1 and right turning access from the west along State Highway 8.
NZTA Canterbury State Highways Manager Colin Knaggs says the commissioning of the traffic signals marks the successful completion of this important project. Mr Knaggs says a big factor in its success has been the excellent support of the Timaru District Council who also contributed toward this project.
“The project was not without its share of challenges. One of the biggest involved relocating the war memorial on a traffic island in the middle of the Hilton Highway - Racecourse Road intersection. Now the memorial has a new and safer home in the park area to the north of this intersection. The project team worked closely with the Washdyke Anzac Memorial Committee to ensure the relocation went smoothly and it is pleasing to have it finished in time for this year’s ANZAC Day services”.
Colin Knaggs says not only will this project improve safety and ease the frustration for road users trying to cross or get onto State Highway 1, it is also part of a wider integrated transport and land-use plan for the Washdyke area. The fact that this project has been completed on time and within budget is a credit to everyone involved.
Timaru District Council land transport manager Andrew Dixon says the upgrade will be of huge benefit to Pleasant Point traffic. One of the main drivers behind the Council’s strong support for this project was to ensure the future growth of Washdyke industrial area by providing good access to State Highway One.
Mr Dixon added that over the next two years the Council will make further improvements to new local road links in Washdyke connecting Meadows Road with Seadown Road.
