Lights out for Ashhurst
Plans to put traffic lights in a small town flooded by vehicles after the closure of a state highway may be put on hold, as other work to mitigate traffic is set to begin.
Ashhurst has been inundated with heavy traffic since State Highway 3 through the Manawatu¯ Gorge was closed in April 2017 due to landslips and fears a hillside would fall.
The main alternative route, the Saddle Rd, requires traffic to go through Ashhurst, using Salisbury St. That has resulted in thousands more vehicles, including large trucks, going through the village.
Because a replacement for the Manawatu¯ Gorge is not expected to open until 2024, the New Zealand Transport Agency has put in place measures to mitigate the effect of the added traffic.
Although some work has already happened, such as installing traffic islands on side streets to stop motorists using them to get around trucks, many of the big projects are yet to begin.
Transport officials gave an update at a drop-in session in Ashhurst on Wednesday night, where they also gave more details about the proposed route for the new highway.
One of the more novel proposed road changes was the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Mulgrave St and Cambridge Ave, which currently has a roundabout.
The roundabout layout was recently changed, making it easier for traffic to get around.
A transport agency spokesman said the idea for the lights came as officials thought of ways to avoid trucks heavily braking and accelerating at the intersection, which causes a lot of noise for the residents. ‘‘It’s a unique use of traffic signals.’’
But early feedback from residents indicated the noise problem might have been sorted by the roundabout redesign, the spokesman said.
A final decision on installing lights would be made after more feedback from residents, he said.
Other changes were in the design phase.
Most people Stuff spoke to at the drop-in session were more interested in the updated design for the new highway. Most of those interested in the Ashhurst traffic plan were supportive and keen for work to begin.
Brian and Patricia Halcox, however, were annoyed about the traffic islands on some corners. They made it hard to get longer vehicles around the corner, Brian Halcox said. ‘‘If I’m using my caravan I have to come right out to get around the corner and if a car is coming out I have to stop.’’
Early feedback from residents indicated the noise problem might have been sorted by the roundabout redesign.
Transport agency spokesman