Intersection under investigation
Community leaders have expressed their concerns over a dangerous intersection in Morrinsville, with one saying NZTA will be to blame if a fatal accident occurs at the site.
Matamata-Piako District and Morrinsville-ward councillor Paul Cronin said he shouldn’t have to bang on the doors of decision-makers.
But it’s about time he may have to. The State Highway 26-Avenue Rd intersection has been the site of many ‘‘close-shaves and injury-causing crashes’’, Cronin said. He would like to see a roundabout installed at the intersection, but before that, a speed reduction. ‘‘Matamata-Piako has got some hot spot issues that are just being ignored, and that’s because decisions are made in Wellington.
‘‘NZTA know that the speed through this intersection is mostly in excess of the posted speed by 10kmh. They have the data. Yet they refuse to move the speed restriction zone further away.’’
Cronin said the agency undertook speed measuring tests and found that the medium speed through the intersection was 60kmh. The posted speed limit is 50kmh.
‘‘They know it, and as far as I’m concerned, they are culpable.’’
Matamata-Piako District Council released a statement saying Mayor Jan Barnes met with members of NZTA and as a result, NZTA senior personnel Kaye Clark would be further investigating accident hot spots in Matamata and Morrinsville.
The areas include Avenue Rd in Morrinsville, the Hopkins Road/SH29 intersection near Chookys Auto in Matamata, and the implementation of a pedestrian crossing on Firth Street, near the Broadway/SH27 roundabout in Matamata.
Barnes said she had spoken at length with NZTA regarding these three hot spots in particular, which require immediate attention.
In Morrinsville the major concern was drivers travelling too fast along the State Highway coming into Morrinsville from Hamilton.
‘‘Speed is definitely a major factor in the accidents and near misses at this intersection near the Top Pub. Drivers coming from Avenue Road north and south are misjudging how fast these cars are going and pulling out.
‘‘I don’t want any more accidents here. I have made it clear to NZTA that it needs addressing and it needs to be a high priority. We need those reduce speed signs now.’’
But Cronin said discussions have been had with the agency for some time, with no results.
‘‘It is time NZTA just got on with making our intersections safer’’.
Waikato MP Tim van de Molen will address the concerns surrounding Morrinsville’s State Highway 26 and Avenue Rd intersection at a road safety public meeting on Monday, March 18.
He said many of Morrinsville’s residents and members of the business community have been in touch about the intersection.
‘‘My communications with the New Zealand Transport Agency have left me concerned that these serious safety concerns are not being prioritised.
‘‘I have called a public meeting which will bring all of the parties involved together, with the priority focusing on the future of this intersection.
❚ Morrinsville Road Safety Public Meeting, Monday March 18, The Top Pub, SH26 Morrinsville at 5.15pm.