Construction will begin next month on a long-awaited roundabout at the Mt Iron SH6/SH84 intersection.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has hired Fulton Hogan to complete the $5M project, which will feature a 40 metre-diameter, single-lane, five leg roundabout.

The project is expected to take around a year to complete.

The intersection has been the site of dozens of vehicle accidents since 2010 and members of the community have advocated for a roundabout to improve safety.

“We know this intersection is a busy one particularly over the summer period when congestion is at its peak,” NZTA regional relationships director James Caygill said. 

The current intersection has been the site of many vehicle accidents and NZTA says the roundabout should make it safer for all road users. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“The nature of the existing staggered T junction makes it challenging and has resulted in multiple crashes in recent years.”

James said the roundabout will reduce the likelihood of crashes “and increase safety for all who use it”.

The roundabout will also feature median islands on the approaches to encourage reduced speeds, safer crossing connections for people walking and cycling, an improved stormwater system and street lighting, and new landscaping plans.

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Principal project manager Brendon French says a significant portion of the roundabout can be built near the site, which will lessen the impact of the work on road users.

“The design of the roundabout shifts the intersection to the north slightly which means most of the roundabout can be constructed off-line. However, disruption will be unavoidable as each leg into the roundabout will need to be realigned.”

“While we estimate this will take a year to complete, this is also dependent on labour and material availability in addition to weather conditions.”

The intention is to have the bulk of the roundabout construction complete prior to winter and complete the tie-in legs and surfacing in the spring, Brendon said.