Project Introduction

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is building a new roundabout at the SH6/SH84 Mt Iron Wanaka intersection, to reduce serious crashes and provide safer access for people walking or cycling. This project is part of the NZTA’s Safe Infrastructure Programme.

  • Estimated project dates

    Feb 2023–May 2024
  • Estimated project cost

    $5-6 million
  • Project type

    Road improvements, Safety improvements
  • Project status

    Completed

SH6 Mt Iron Wanaka detour - what you need to know

All legs of the Mount Iron roundabout are now open as this work was completed ahead of schedule.


Night works in April 2024

To improve traction and drainage, we need to cut grooves into the asphalt on the roundabout and each of its legs.  To do this work we will need to work at night and use Stop/Go temporary traffic lights as this will keep disruption to a minimum.   
The night work will start around 8:00pm and finish by 5:00am each morning from Wednesday 10 April to Friday 12 April, and again on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 April. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes at various times during these nights.

About the project

As part of the Road to Zero Safe infrastructure Programme (SIP), Waka Kotahi is completing safety improvements to the State Highway 6 /State Highway 84 intersection; a 40meter-diameter, single-lane roundabout.

Construction, led by Fulton Hogan, started in February 2023 and it will take an estimated 12 months to complete but this is dependent on weather and market conditions.

With significant growth in traffic in this area, along with increased safety risks at the intersection, Waka Kotahi believe this crucial safety project will reduce the likelihood of serious crashes, particularly those which result in people dying or being seriously injured.

Between 2011 and 2020, one person has been seriously injured and 18 people left with minor injuries in crashes at this intersection. There have also been 21 crashes where people were not injured.

  • Key features
    • A 40 metre-diameter, single-lane roundabout (similar in size to the Three Parks roundabout, Tim Wallis Drive).
    • Improved and safer traffic flows through the intersection.
    • Safer connections to the highway and local road networks.
    • Median islands on the approaches to encourage reduced speeds.
    • Safer crossing connections for people walking and cycling.
    • Reduced likelihood of serious crashes causing injury.
    • Deliver project benefits within the 22/23 financial year.
    • Future proof the design with a 5th leg to proposed development.
    • Improved stormwater system.
    • Improved street lighting and new landscaping plans.
    Close

Get in touch

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us: MountIronUpgrade@nzta.govt.nz (Please note this email address is only monitored during business hours). 

You can also write to us at: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141.