New toilets for popular Springs Junction

Relief is on the way for road users re-routed along State Highway 65 and State Highway 7 following the Kaikoura quake, with the announcement of new public toilets at Springs Junction.

Acting Tourism Minister Paula Bennett has announced $199,500 in funding to add public toilets and waste disposal at the popular rest stop.

She said Buller District Council would receive the funding and planned to have facilities up and running early in the new year.

Bennett said in a statement that State Highway 65 south of Murchi- son and State Highway 7 between Reefton and Waipara have had increased traffic following the Kaikoura quake.

‘‘Located where these two highways meet and with only a service station and tearooms, Springs Junction is not set up to cope with so many extra people,’’ Bennett said.

She said the section of road was only in for more traffic and longer travel times, as repairs were made to State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch over the coming months.

The funding for the toilet project will come from the Tourism Facilities Development Grants fund.