Solution for crash hot-spot junction

One of Hamilton’s most dangerous intersections is getting an upgrade.

Increasing traffic and regular crashes have put the spotlight on Rototuna’s Gordonton/Thomas Road intersection and it’s now at number 18 on a national list of risky crossroads.

Now Hamilton City Council will press fast forward on major upgrade work - probably a roundabout, but possibly traffic lights.

Staff needed funding to start, general manager of city infrastructure Chris Allen said.

‘‘We’re very keen to progress this one as probably our number one safety project in the city at the moment,’’ he told councillors at a Tuesday growth and infrastructure meeting.

Design and preparation would take about a year, so staff would ask the design team about options such as temporary traffic signals for the meantime.

The upgrade would probably be a roundabout, a report said, and would cost about $6m.

Councillors voted unanimously to give staff money now to start preparing for the upgrade, and to consider construction funding in 2018/19.

The decision still has to get through the finance committee and long-term plan deliberations.

People are delighted a solution is coming, Councillor Mark Bunting said, but many questioned the estimated $6m roundabout cost.

Allen said expenses are likely to include buying land, altering the camber of the road, and moving infrastructure such as overhead electrical cables.

Locals are demanding a solution and soon, Cr James Casson said. ‘‘The intersection is no longer fit for the amount of traffic it handles every day.’’

Councillor and former traffic cop Leo Tooman thought the Waikato Expressway would reduce traffic numbers, but Allen said they would soon climb back up.

The intersection already has variable speed signs.