Busy roundabout to close for weeks

A busy Ashburton roundabout will be closed to vehicles for up to three weeks while new asphalt is laid.

Work is set to start on April 13 at the intersection, which links Oak Gr, Walnut Ave, Belt Rd and Harrison St.

Ashburton District Council group manager Neil McCann said work at the busy roundabout had been timed to coincide with part of the school holidays.

“We know this intersection is busy with cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians as many are heading to Ashburton College, and we are closing it fully so that the work can be done faster.”

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use footpaths to navigate the intersection, but no vehicles will be allowed. The work zone will be fenced off for safety.

Traffic will be detoured via Cavendish St, Middle Rd and Creek Rd; an alternative route will be available using Cross St, Elizabeth St and Wills St. There will be no left-turn access from Walnut Ave to Oak Gr.

The work is being done by the district council’s roading maintenance contractor, Fulton Hogan, and machinery will be active during the day.

“They are going to mill the old surface, even it out and then lay new structural asphalt,’’ McCann said.

‘‘All the existing kerbing and the plants in the centre of the roundabout will stay, it’s the road surface that’s being improved.’’