Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Construction of the new roundabout at the State Highway 57 (SH57) /Tararua Road intersection is scheduled to begin in January.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Horowhenua District Council (HDC) are working in partnership to build a new roundabout at the intersection.
“While work progresses on the new Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) highway, the new roundabout at Tararua Road and SH57 will improve safety at this busy intersection and also provide a future connection to the new highway and Tara-Ika growth area,” says Linda Stewart, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships.
“Over the past fortnight, crews have been on site carrying out investigation works to confirm roundabout design and prepare to begin work on the roundabout in the new year. Traffic management won’t be in place over the Christmas period.”
Upcoming Traffic Management
From the week of 13 January 2025, construction crews will start on the first stage of work at the western side of the intersection. This will include the construction of 3 legs of the roundabout and installing watermains and other services.
During this phase of work, there will be no access from SH57 to the western section of Tararua Road and a detour will be in place. The detour will direct vehicles heading north via Queen Street East, and those travelling south to State Highway 1 via Kimberley Road.
The detour will allow traffic to flow steadily through SH57, minimising disruption on a busy state highway.
There will also be a 30km/h temporary speed limit on SH57 nearby the site for the safety of road users and crews.
Crews will be working Monday to Friday between 6am and 6:30pm. Outside these hours, the detour and temporary speed limit will remain in place on evenings and weekends while the work is completed.
We expect the first stage of work will be complete in June 2025. Following this, the team will move on to work on the eastern side of the roundabout.
The roundabout is expected to be complete around the end of 2025.
Roundabout a sign post for regional growth
Horowhenua District Council Mayor Bernie Wanden says the construction of the new roundabout at the SH57/Tararua Road intersection is a crucial step forward in improving road safety and supporting the growing needs of our community.
“This project will provide a safer intersection and better manage the increasing traffic volumes, making it a significant improvement for everyone who relies on this route.”
“The new roundabout will support the region’s growing population. With vehicle volumes set to increase over the coming years we’re working now to make this intersection safer for all those who use it” says Linda Stewart.
“The roundabout will also encourage drivers to slow down at the intersection, making it safer for drivers to cross and turn right. It will also improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by providing a pathway around the traffic lanes and formal crossings.”
Ō2NL site office construction
The start of 2025 will also see construction of the Ō2NL site office.
When work starts in January, the community can expect to see increased activity. Any construction disruption on the road should be limited to about a fortnight, while teams create the new access.
We expect that the new office will be complete in mid-2025.
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