Hastings District Council’s construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Te Mata Road, Waimārama Road, Mangateretere Road and River Road is well on its way to completion.
The Council says the project addresses the issue of a high-risk rural intersection with a history of crashes.
As well as slowing traffic, the roundabout has been designed to improve visibility and cope with the significant amount of heavy vehicle traffic using it.
The project was running on time and on budget, said Council’s director of infrastructure delivery, Darren de Klerk.
Utilities including power and telecommunications are in the process of being relocated, with earthworks, drainage and foundations underway. Next steps will include completing the foundations and construction of the body of the roundabout.
The total project budget is $2.69 million, with 53% being funded by the Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the remainder funded by Council from its transport budget.
Council infrastructure subcommittee chair, Councillor Kevin Watkins said roundabouts were nationally and internationally recognised as highly effective at reducing the frequency and severity of serious crashes.
“To be fully effective at making the road safer, however, they need to be designed for the roading environment,” said Cr Watkins.
“In this case, with it being a high-speed rural area with multiple users, including pedestrians and cyclists, a technically complex solution is needed to achieve the safety outcomes needed.”
The roundabout is anticipated to be finished in May this year, weather permitting.
