Plan for high-risk intersection
A roundabout is proposed to replace a dangerous intersection where two state highways meet at Whatawhata.
Waka Kotahi is calling for submissions on its plan to increase safety and reduce crashes at the ‘‘high risk intersection’’ where State Highway 23 and State Highway 39 intersect.
There have been 33 crashes at the ‘‘high-risk’’ intersection from 2015 to 2022, and three of those caused serious injuries.
Waka Kotahi regional manager of infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton said there were several safety issues at this intersection, including the road layout.
There was also an increasing number of heavy trucks and increased traffic travelling through there.
‘‘The community has been asking for change at this site for a number of years and we are pleased to be at a point where we can now share our proposal with them.
‘‘We think a roundabout is the best approach to improving safety at this intersection but we want community feedback on this to see if it has support, or if there are other ideas and alternatives we need to consider at this early stage.’’
Wilton said benefits included greater safety for all road users, improved pedestrian access and upgraded stormwater management. Construction on the $8 million project would start in the middle of next year, subject to funding.
People could attend a public drop-in session outside the Village Cafe on Saturday December 10 from 10am to 1pm to give their opinion or email feedback to waikato.projects@nzta.govt. nz.
Submissions close at 5pm on December 23.