New roundabout to improve safety
A multi-million dollar contract to construct Cambridge’s largest roundabout has been awarded by Waipa¯ District Council.
Cambridge Construction Company Limited has won the $5 million dollar contract for the major project which will include a roundabout built at the intersection of Hanlin Road and Cambridge Road.
The project will dramatically improve safety at a notoriously dangerous intersection.
Work on the project will start soon following the construction of a temporary road which will reduce disruption to traffic while work on the roundabout is underway.
Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson said now the contract had been awarded, a start date for construction could be set and work on the project could get underway.
“Up until this point we had been finalising the design of the roundabout and undertaking planning, especially for shifting powerlines and other services so they won’t be affected by construction.”
Bryan said there had been 12 accidents over the last five years at the intersection, including one fatal crash.
“Research tells us that, in general, fewer fatal crashes and serious injuries occur at roundabouts than at T-intersections.
“The two T-intersections currently on Hanlin and Cambridge Road sit on sweeping curves which will be best improved by a roundabout.”
Around 10,000 vehicles pass through the intersection every day and this number is expected to increase as the population of
Cambridge grows.
Construction plans also include new pathways and cycleways, a new bus stop and street lighting, and landscaping.
The project is being jointly funded by Waipa¯ District Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency with support from St Peter’s School and Home of Cycling Charitable Trust.
“Council is very pleased with the significant contribution and local staff support provided by the Transport Agency that has allowed this project to proceed,” Bryan said.