The New Zealand Transport Agency recently lodged a notice of requirement with the Dunedin City Council to apply for a change of designation along State Highway 1, as it seeks permission to proceed with a second stage of upgrades projected to cost between $20 million and $25 million.
NZTA project manager Simon Underwood, of Dunedin, said the proposed upgrade was "a substantial expansion of the highway's existing designation".
The NZTA is considering three options for changes to the highway and problematic intersection at Lookout Point.
The preferred option would build an overbridge connecting Mornington and Riselaw Rds across SH1, install a median barrier on a widened four-lane project, and add improved cycling and pedestrian lanes.
However, the preferred option would affect South Rd residents, as the road would become a cul-de-sac.
A service lane and "traffic fence, designed to mitigate highway noise", would be built between properties and the highway, Mr Underwood said.
The changes would stop traffic on South Rd from connecting to Riselaw Rd, which would disrupt bus routes using South Rd, Mr Underwood said.
"We're trying to balance the traffic and safety needs, which are a priority for us, with those of the affected residents and bus services in the area," Mr Underwood said of the three options being proposed.
Public submissions were being sought on the proposal.
A public hearing is expected to be scheduled and "we expect a large number of submissions to be made" given the public interest in the SH1 developments, he said.
The NZTA expects to finish the first stage of its developments of the Caversham Highway, the four-laning of SH1 alongside Carisbrook, in July next year.
NZTA has proposed other options for the Lookout Point intersection, one of which does not include an overbridge, but all of the proposed changes seek to remove right-hand turns from SH1 on to either Mornington or South Rd and Riselaw Rd.
The speed limit along the Caversham Highway would be increased from 50kmh to 60kmh, Mr Underwood said.
Submissions on the publicly notified NZTA highway designation changes can be made to the DCC until August 19.
Lookout Point Bridge
Caversham Valley State Highway 1 upgrade: Stage 2
Proposed key features to improve safety and amenity: Build: overbridge connecting Riselaw and Mornington Rds.
• Widen four-laned highway. Median barrier to separate traffic.
• Alterations for South Rd with proposed cul-de-sac.
• Cycling and pedestrian lanes to be built.
• Three design options to consider as part of public submissions process.
• Cost: $20 million to $25 million.
• Speed limit: Increased from 50kmh to 60kmh.
