Background
Over the past 15 years, several investigations to examine potential options for improving the safety of the Spring Creek SH1/SH62 intersection have been undertaken.
Most recently, in 2013, we carried out a study to examine the potential options to improve the Spring Creek intersection of SH1/SH62 to address an existing high crash rate. We analysed various data, including traffic growth, turning movements, crash information and rail schedules, identifying five potential options to modify the intersection. The preferred option to develop further was the roundabout option.
In early 2014, a scheme assessment study [PDF, 7.6 MB] was completed. It confirmed that a roundabout is the best option to improve the intersection and reduce the potential for fatal and serious injuries at the intersection, while still maintaining a suitable level of service for traffic on a National Strategic State Highway. This recommendation (to progress with a roundabout) was presented to the community at a public meeting in February 2014, where local engineers discussed the roundabout design and next steps.
Since then, we have completed the detailed design of the roundabout, and construction started in October 2016.
Key project features
The changes for the intersection are shown on our images and map page. Some key features include:
- The roundabout – this will help to facilitate safe turning movements onto Ferry and Rapaura Roads and through traffic on SH1.
- Layby – to allow for vehicles waiting to turn into Ferry Road when a train is crossing. This will help to avoid vehicles blocking the roundabout if a train is crossing.
- New traffic islands – to improve the safety and rationalise the turning movements to Spring Creek local businesses.
- Left-hand turn into Ferry Rd – a dedicated lane and road markings to cater for heavy truck turning movements into Ferry Road.
- New pedestrian and cycle facilities and linkages – to help facilitate safe cyclist and pedestrian movements.
- Barrier arms – the SH1 barrier arm will allow Ferry Rd vehicles to clear the railway line. The other barrier arms will restrict vehicles entering the rail corridor when a train is approaching.
Other projects between Picton and Blenheim
The Transport Agency has invested nearly $9 million on improving the safety of the highway between Picton and Blenheim since 2005, including:
- Elevation Overbridge realignment (completed June 2005)
- Koromiko southbound passing lane (completed Feb 2006)
- Para northbound passing land (completed May 2007)
- Northbound passing lane north of Spring Creek (completed April 2009)
- Blenheim to Picton hazard protection (completed Oct 2014)
- Vickerman St drainage and intersection improvements (March 2014)
