The NZ Transport Agency has asked for an upgrade of the intersection to be included in the regional land transport plan for 2020-21.
And, at its meeting earlier this week, the Otago Regional Transport Committee accepted the suggestion.
That signals the intersection is likely to get a major roundabout sooner rather than later, solving problems for motorists using the junction of State Highways 6 and 84 between Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Cromwell.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council’s representative on the committee, Quentin Smith, described the intersection as one of the most dangerous in Upper Clutha.
Mt Iron Junction Ltd, which is developing land next to the intersection, had pencilled a double-lane roundabout into its development, and director Steve Schikker, of Wanaka, said yesterday the move by the two agencies was welcome.
"It’s good news for us, and it’s good news for the community," he said.
The company’s $20million to $30million, 5.83ha development, which relies on the intersection being improved, is the subject of a Queenstown Lakes District Council resource consent hearing next week.
It would include a new Caltex service station, accommodation for up to 90 seasonal and long-term workers, 17 terrace housing units, a child-care centre and a mini golf facility.
In its request to the committee, the NZTA said work on the intersection was required as "an urgent intervention for safety reasons".
"The regional land transport plan included the project for delivery in the 2021-24 period and as such is now proposed for earlier delivery."
