Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Aubrey Road and Anderson Road in Wānaka will begin this week.

The roundabout project is part of a programme of works between Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Authority to improve safety for road users in the area.

“Our programme of works with Waka Kotahi provides an opportunity to continue to deliver simple but effective solutions for the safety of all road users in the Upper Clutha,” QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said.

“The upgrades coming to the Aubrey Road and Anderson Road intersection will make a significant difference to the growing number of vehicles and those cycling using the junction, helping get everyone through efficiently, calming traffic and improving safety.”

While roadworks take place, crews will be working Monday to Saturday and there will be some road disruptions, QLDC said.

The new roundabout will include a slightly amended road layout, new raised courtesy crossings to provide safe passage for people walking to cross, and a connection for the soon-to-be-completed shared pathway on Anderson Road.

The project follows work announced by council in July as part of the Schools to Pool active travel route, which will see four raised courtesy crossings added on Rata Street in addition to improvements to its intersection with Aubrey Road.

Plans for additional roundabouts at the intersections of Ballantyne Road and Riverbank Road in Wānaka, and Capell Avenue and Domain Road in Hāwea, will also begin in the coming months.

“These projects are investing in the safety of everyone in the community, whether they choose to travel on foot, by bike or by vehicle,” Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer said. 

“And as the Upper Clutha grows, it’s important our transport network adapts to remain efficient, secure, and easy for all to use.”

Starting this week, crews will be working onsite Mondays to Saturdays between 7am and 6pm, and there will be temporary changes to traffic movements during construction.

“Crews on site will be working hard to complete the work as fast as possible, and the end result will be a greatly improved space that benefits all users of the intersection,” Tony said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App