Progress has been made on a number of transport related projects across the Wānaka ward, including new roundabouts for the Aubrey and Anderson Roads intersection and the Lake Hāwea dam.

Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said the board was “thrilled” with progress on the various projects, following a staff briefing at a board meeting on Thursday (July 27).

He said the board was focused on “getting stuff done” in the first year of this term.

“[Progress] has come about through strong advocacy and building productive relationships with [Queenstown Lakes District Council] QLDC staff. Particularly thanks goes to project manager Marcus Warren who has been working tirelessly to deliver these projects on the community’s behalf.”

Simon said the new roundabout for the Aubrey and Anderson Roads intersection “will be given the green light any day now”, and construction will begin immediately with the project due to be completed in November. 

The Schools to Pool active travel route from Kelly’s Flat to Lismore Park is currently out for tender. 

“The roundabout will support more efficient traffic flow and allow for full integration of the surrounding biking and walk paths including Anderson Road’s active travel route. This biking and walking project will be completed in October following the final chip sealing of the path in the warmer spring months.” 

Simon said the development of soakage pits at the Anderson and Aubrey Roads’ intersection (part of a new underground drainage system to tackle flooding that occurs after heavy rain) has begun.

“[This] is expected to alleviate flooding from late August onwards.”

Read more: Joint plan to address Anderson Road flooding

“We are particularly happy that Hāwea’s much needed roundabout at the Capell and Domain Road intersection has been designed and will go out for tender next month,” Simon said. 

“This has been a very difficult project with limited road reserve to utilise as well as additional complexity working atop a dam.”

The Ballantyne and Riverbank Roads’ intersection will have detailed design completed by late August with a new roundabout due for completion in June 2024, he said.

“The QLDC team have been working closely with Wastebusters on this project to provide better parking for staff and visitors as well as incorporating a much needed crossing for people walking or biking to the facility.”

The Schools to Pool active travel route from Kelly’s Flat, through the primary school and college, then across Lismore Park is currently out for tender, with an expected October start date, Simon said.

Safety improvements, including guard rails and minor road widening on parts of Mt Aspiring and Cardrona Valley roads, have also begun and will be completed in October.

Similar timeframes are in place for the traffic calming and safety measures project at the Rata Street and Aubrey Rd intersection.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App