The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) project, which includes replacing the existing BP roundabout with a signalled intersection, additional signals at the intersection of State Highway 6 with Hansen Rd and Joe O’Connell Dr — the latter accessing the Queenstown Events Centre — and doubling the size of the Frankton bus hub, has just reached the half-way mark.
However, Mountain Scene can reveal there’s no funding available to double-lane a 90 metre-plus stretch of the highway on the Queenstown side of the Five Mile roundabout, nor the approach/exit at the Lower Shotover Bridge.
In a statement to Scene, NZTA South Island system design regional manager Richard Osborne says plans have been prepared for double-laning of the highway from the BP roundabout through to the bridge, "however, there is no funding currently allocated for this work".
"Funding will be considered in the next National Land Transport Programme (2027-30), where this work will be subject to prioritisation alongside other roading projects.
"The current scope of work for the Queenstown Package at Frankton extends east to the Hansen Rd intersection/Hansen Rd link."
Queenstown mayor John Glover says he’d "absolutely" like to see the stretch from Hansen Rd to the Five Mile roundabout double-laned now, while the project is under way.
"I think getting people around that area is very important — it’s heavily congested.
"Maybe the Budget will give us a nice announcement of a pot of money to spend."
