Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has secured funding to begin design work for a roundabout at the Ngaumutawa Road/State Highway 2 intersection in Masterton.
The roundabout is part of a wider package of safety improvements currently being designed for the Wairarapa region, which also includes a roundabout at the Norfolk Road intersection and safety barriers along a high-risk section of State Highway 2 south of Masterton.
“The project team has worked hard to secure design funding for this roundabout which is a critical component of our plan to improve safety along the Wairarapa section of State Highway 2,” Director of Regional Relationships Emma Speight says.
“A significant number of vehicles and trucks make the turn from Ngaumutawa Road onto the highway. These vehicles need to cross the oncoming traffic which can cause congestion at this busy intersection and puts motorists at risk.
“The Ngaumutawa roundabout will provide a much more controlled environment for merging traffic and will help slow the overall speed of vehicles as they approach the intersection.”
Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson says, “I’m delighted that there is progress on a roundabout for the Ngaumutawa Rd/State Highway 2 intersection, with design funding secured by Waka Kotahi.
“This is exciting news, and something I and the community have been advocating for some time. It will have a very positive impact on safety and congestion at this intersection.
“I’m looking forward to progress on the next steps.”
Ms Speight says it is important to note there is a clear distinction between design funding and construction funding.
“The design process is the first of many steps towards the eventual construction of the roundabout. However, by enabling the project team to get designs underway now, the project is in a good position to apply for construction funding in the next National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).”
Alongside the infrastructure improvements, there is also a speed review planned for State Highway 2.
“Ensuring speed limits are safe is one of the most effective things we can do to prevent deaths and serious injuries. We’re planning to get the speed review underway later this year and will announce the details in the coming months,” Ms Speight says.
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