Work has ramped up on a key Queenstown intersection: the roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 6/6A and Frankton BP service station.

Plans are in place to improve the intersection to make it easier for people to drive, cycle and walk and for buses to move around the area. 

The works are being delivered for NZTA/Waka Kotahi in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council with the $250M budget funded by taxpayers.

The intersection (which is frequently used to access Queenstown, Queenstown Airport and the Remarkables Shopping Centre) is at capacity at peak travel times, NZTA has said.

“The improvements we're making to SH6 and SH6A will give people more choice in how they travel and will support an efficient and reliable transport network, relieving some pressure at this important connection for Queenstown,” NZTA said.

NZTA said this week workers are preparing to move the power network at the intersection underground, with excavation beginning in August.

NZTA said this first stage of work will be the “least disruptive”, and will be followed in late September by the more disruptive trenching across the streets and night work.

Remaining works include bus lanes, traffic signals, cycle lanes, and shared use paths along the State Highway 6 and 6A corridors.

The work will have an impact on car parking, and is likely to cause some traffic congestion, but road workers will guide traffic through the construction area.

The improved bus hub could also benefit Upper Clutha ratepayers who pay for a portion of the Queenstown’s public transport network through their rates.

IMAGE: Supplied