Prospect of slip road at busy junction welcomed
THE NZ Transport Agency is bowing to pressure for a new slip road at a hazardous Queenstown junction.
Motorists and cyclists have for years raised concerns about the Tucker Beach Rd intersection with State Highway 6, at Quail Rise.
They must cross the busy state highway to travel towards Queenstown.
The junction is at the bottom of a hill, next to the Shotover Bridge and river, facing two fastflowing lanes of traffic.
NZTA southern business unit manager Ian Duncan announced yesterday he was working towards an upgrade.
It will involve a road underneath the bridge and a new slip road merging on the other side of SH6.
Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult is delighted.
‘‘I have regularly raised residents’ concerns regarding this dangerous stretch of road and it is encouraging to see a link using the underpass beneath SH6 is being actively investigated.
‘‘I’ve made it clear that this is the best option to address this intersection, and it is pleasing to see the [NZTA] have taken this on board.’’
Mr Duncan is bidding for businesscase funding and, if successful, could be in a position to tender for construction work by October.
Resident Greg Thompson suggested the need for a slip road in 2014.
Since then, there has been a sharp rise in the volume of traffic on the road due to new housing and retail developments nearby.
In February, residents Mr Thompson, Kerry Dunlop and cyclist Peter Aitkinson wrote to the Mountain Scene ‘‘appalled’’ at NZTA’s attitude.
‘‘Since then we’ve met with Ian Duncan twice,’’ Mr Thompson said.
‘‘We went doortodoor with a petition, getting about 450 signatures.
‘‘So they’ve appreciated there’s serious concern among residents.
‘‘And their own figures show it has the fastest growth in volume of any state highway in New Zealand.’’
NZTA will reduce the speed limit on the road from 100kmh to 80kmh by the end of this month.
Clutha Southland MP Todd Barclay also welcomed the news and praised Mr Boult for his advocacy.
Crash figures from 2011 to 2016 show 18 reported crashes on the section of highway, resulting in three serious injuries and 13 minor ones.