Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says the construction of a new roundabout at Mt Iron junction (SH6/SH84) is progressing well.

The roundabout was approved as part of NZTA’s Road to Zero Safe Infrastructure Programme to reduce the likelihood of serious crashes and provide safer access for people walking or cycling.

Fulton Hogan began construction in February and the project is estimated to take a year to complete “dependent on weather and market conditions,” NZTA said.

NZTA recently reported that progress had hit a snag with the discovery that the main Chorus cable for the West Coast, located within the roundabout site, needed to be relocated.

Read more: Mt Iron roundabout delayed

Work is progressing well on the roundabout project, NZTA said on Tuesday (April 11), with the site now cleared of large trees and vegetation, and relocation of a power line which passed through the worksite.

The team is now excavating the northwest side of the roundabout and also the Wānaka ‘tie-in’ leg, which involves significant soil movement and shaping.

This work is being conducted off the road with little impact on traffic movement, NZTA said.

Workers are excavating the northwest side of the roundabout and the Wānaka ‘tie-in’ leg. IMAGE: Supplied

Before winter excavation works will continue on the northwest side and Wānaka leg of the roundabout where drainage and constructing kerbing will also be installed.

The intention is to have a large portion of the ‘off the road’ roundabout construction complete prior to winter, and complete the tie in legs and surfacing in the spring, the project team said.

“Winter means challenging conditions, particularly for pavement and surfacing activities; so while there will likely still be activity on site, it will be limited to activities on the peripheries, such as foot paths and lighting,” they said.

During the next few months work will take place usually on weekdays between 7am and 7pm.

There will be delays moving through the intersection while the roundabout is being built. NZTA asked motorists to drive carefully and observe the signs and directions of traffic management crews.