No roundabout until new year
THE roundabout planned for Oamaru’s worst intersection for crashes will probably not be built until the new year.
Waitaki District Council network operations engineer Mark Renalson said it was ‘‘disappointing’’ another crash had occurred this week at the intersection of Eden and Reed Sts.
It was used by 7664 vehicles a day, including 320 heavy vehicles, and Reed St was a controlled stop.
One person received minor injuries in the latest crash at the intersection, which occurred about 8pm on Tuesday.
In a report tabled this winter council roading manager Michael Voss said roundabouts reduced the likelihood of fatal crashes by 90%, serious injury crashes by 75% and all crashes by 37%.
Oamaru’s last roundabout was removed in 2009, when the town’s first traffic lights were installed.
Mr Renalson said the final design for the roundabout at the intersection of Eden and Reed Sts would be considered within the next two weeks.
The materials for the rubber roundabout were on their way.
Installation was likely to coincide with a school holiday break in the new year, when vehicle numbers, including buses, were likely to be lower.
A roundabout is also due to be installed at the intersection of Wansbeck and Tyne Sts, where visitor traffic has increased significantly recently.