Site complications delay roundabout

Another delay for a roundabout a year in the making is causing further frustration at St Clair, Dunedin, with the total cost of infrastructure work in the area likely to exceed $2 million.

Dunedin City Council staff expect the peanut-shaped roundabout at the intersection of Forbury, Bay View and Allandale Rds to be completed by the end of this month and roads to reopen by July 17.

The previous target for completion of the project was the end of June.

Work to replace ageing water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure had taken longer than expected, because of difficult ground conditions and the need for more extensive excavations, council transport group manager Jeanine Benson said.

"Bad weather in June also disrupted pavement reconstruction work," Ms Benson said.

Crews doing intersection improvements started work in July last year and were originally due to be finished by Christmas, but the completion date was extended six months when it was found water mains and sewer lines in the area needed upgrading.

Complications at the site stretched the completion date out another month.

The roundabout project — including kerb and channel work, pedestrian crossings and landscaping — had been forecast to cost $1 million.

"We expect the total cost will now be more than $1 million, due to ground conditions, more extensive excavations and weather delays to pavement reconstruction work," Ms Benson said.

The final costs have yet to be confirmed.

Water, wastewater and stormwater work in the area had also cost about $970,000.

Bay View Rd collectables shop owner and florist Rachel Reed said the road had been closed since early January.

The works had caused disruption for a lot of people, including customers and residents, and the delays were frustrating, she said.

"I’d like a discount on my rates," she said.

However, Mrs Reed was looking forward to completion of the roundabout.

The council decided on the unusual shape after 11 crashes at the intersection from 2011 to 2015.

"It will be really good when the roundabout is finished, if it’s well designed and in good working order," Mrs Reed said.

"I’m excited about the peanut. That corner was horrendous."

Four Square St Clair owner Sandra Millar said people’s patience continued to be stretched.

Both women said the contractors were just doing their job, but Mrs Reed wondered if the project ought to have been handled differently, to get through it quicker.

An extensive amount of work was happening in fine weather yesterday.

Contractors have also escorted pedestrians across streets in the area and signage states businesses remain open.

Ms Benson said businesses in the area had been visited, letter drops carried out as contractors were trying to keep business people updated.

"Feedback has been largely positive, although we acknowledge the impact on some businesses, which are facing regrettable but unavoidable disruptions as a result of the work," Ms Benson said.

"We are trying our best to keep these disruptions to a minimum and maintain public access to the businesses."

grant.miller@odt.co.nz