Realignment project will address safety concerns

The South Waikato District Council has started work on the Arapuni Rd realignment project near Pearson Rd and Duxfield Reserve.

‘‘ Given the serious safety concerns in having two 35kmh bends in close proximity, the council is pleased that everything is now in place to progress this project,’’ the council’s roading manager Gordon Naidoo said. ‘‘Basically we’re going to cut across both corners to straighten the road and get rid of the dangerous bends.’’

The project will take between five and six months. This will allow the fill to settle before the road is constructed over the top. There will be some minor disruption when traffic is reduced to one lane, resulting in time delays.

In the new year the road will be closed completely for about a week and a detour route set up around Pearson Rd. This will be signposted.

The team began preparing the site last week and a site office is being established as well as setting up the environmental controls which are required under the earthworks consent from the Waikato Regional Council.

‘‘ With the Pokaiwhenua Stream being so close, it is important that we have effective environmental controls to control sediment and dust from the site,’’ Mr Naidoo said.

The project will cost about $600,000.

About 50 per cent of the project will be funded through the NZTA.