The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is delivering improvements to SH6 and SH6A to support and efficient and reliable transport network to address growth in Queenstown.
We all know that the State Highway 6/6A intersection in Frankton (BP roundabout) is at capacity at peak travel times, and something needs to be done to make it easier for people to drive, walk, cycle, and for buses to move around the area. The remaining works for the Queenstown Package which include bus lanes, intersection upgrades such as traffic signals, marina access improvements and walking and cycling enhancements along the State Highway 6 and 6A corridors are being designed, and construction of these works will progress when funding is confirmed
We have prioritised construction of the works in Frankton which include installing traffic signals at the SH6 and SH6A Frankton intersection and adjacent SH6/Hansen Road/Joe O’Connell Drive intersection, extending the Bus Hub and adding traffic signals at the entry and exit to make that movement easier for buses. We will also be constructing new bus stops, adding cycle lanes, and creating shared use paths. While we are completing this work, we need to move some underground services. We are also building a roundabout at the SH6 and Howards Drive intersection.
The works are being delivered for Waka Kotahi as a Road of Regional Significance project via the Kā Huanui a Tāhuna Alliance in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Designs for the works are being finalised now, with construction starting in April 2024.
There is a significant amount of work to do, and construction is expected to take four years to complete.
We know this is a long time and that road works are frustrating. Several factors have influenced this timeframe:
The first 18 months is moving underground utilities (power, water, fibre, and gas), tree removal, and installation of a large stormwater pipe. There will be minimal disruption to the state highways and the Frankton intersection during that time.
This is a partnership between Waka Kotahi, Queenstown Lakes District Council and four design and construction companies, Beca, WSP, Downer New Zealand and Fulton Hogan. The partnership has been set up as an alliance model and has been gifted a name by Iwi Kā Huanui a Tāhuna.