Three trial roundabouts in Dunedin will be made permanent to further improve traffic and pedestrian safety, Dunedin City Council (DCC) has announced.
Work will begin this month on permanent roundabouts at the intersections of Arthur and Russell Streets, Manor Place and Melville Street, and Tainui Road and Dundonald Street.
“These trial roundabouts were installed about two years ago because of traffic safety problems at these intersections with speed, drivers cutting corners, traffic congestion, pedestrian safety or a confusing road layout,” DCC Group Manager Transport, Jeanine Benson said.
“Trial evaluations and feedback from local residents showed us the roundabouts have functioned well and traffic safety has improved. We’ll be adding some more safety features to the permanent roundabouts to make these intersections even safer for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.”
Ms Benson said traffic islands would be installed where there was available space, which would also help to reduce speeds and allow placement of signs and control stormwater.
She said most roads would have a pedestrian refuge to allow pedestrians to cross the intersection in two stages. The centre circle will be raised but can still be mounted by vehicles if necessary. The size of kerb buildouts at the Manor Place intersection will be reduced for better access for fire engines.
Work on the three roundabouts is expected to be completed by the end of June at a cost of approximately $850,000. The work is part of a programme to convert trial roundabouts throughout Dunedin to permanent roundabouts this and next year.
