Roundabout for highway junction

The intersection of SH6 and SH8B in Cromwell and the roundabout that will replace the T-junction.
The intersection of SH6 and SH8B in Cromwell and the roundabout that will replace the T-junction.
A worsening safety record and increased pressure at the intersection of State Highways 6 and 8B at Cromwell means an $8million roundabout will replace existing traffic controls.

The Cromwell Community Board received a report regarding the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) project at a meeting on Monday.

The purpose of the report was to inform the board of the Crown’s intention to acquire part of the Central Otago District Council-owned Sargood Highway Local Purpose (Amenity) Reserve for constructing the roundabout at the intersection at the northwestern edge of the Cromwell township.

The report outlined State Highway 6’s relevance as a major state highway, extending from the northeastern corner of the South Island down the length of the island and as the main road from Cromwell to Wanaka and Queenstown.

SH8B provided a link between SH6 and SH8, giving access to the scenic regions of the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago.

Several serious injury crashes had occurred at the intersection and, over time the safety record had worsened, the report said.

That was exacerbated by rising tourist numbers noted pre-Covid-19, which were expected to return to previous levels, combined with the rapid growth of the Central Otago region which is placing increased pressure on the intersection.

The NZTA project, know as the SH6/SH8B Junction Cromwell Intersection Upgrade, involved the acquisition of 670sqm made up of CODC reserve land and two parcels of private land from neighbouring owners.

NZTA’s plan is begin construction in spring with a completion date four to six months later, in early 2022.

The project has an estimated value of $8million.

jared.morgan@odt.co.nz

 

Comments

Lake Hawea has the exact same problem. A growing town population and to enter the town you must cross over the main highway from the West Coast. The speed limit is 100km. Less than 1km north we have the local camping ground and boat ramp. This is on a blind bend and cars travel at 100km around this bend only to be met by caravans leaving the camp ground or locals towing their boats back to Hawea township at about 30km per hour. We have been trying for 20 years to get the speed limit reduced in both directions into the town. Nothing happens. We write to QLDC, nothing happens. Cromwell are very lucky to have someone looking out for them and something happening. Lake Hawea is the town QLDC has simply forgotten about. Appreciate NZTA may well be responsible but QLDC could go into bat for us. QLDC have received a lot of money from Lake Hawea developments however the only thing I have seen done this past 12 months is the speed signs in town changed to 40km yet they do not care cars and trucks are doing 100km per hr at our turn off!

 

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