Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
People are urged to take extra care travelling through the newly activated traffic signals at the intersection of State Highway 30 (SH30) Te Ngae Road and Wharenui Road as part of the SH30 Eastern Corridor project.
While this phase of the project is nearly complete, fine tuning of the signal phasing, skid resistant surfacing and some additional road marking is yet to be completed.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Infrastructure Delivery Manager Darryl Coalter is asking people to take care and be patient as they adjust to the new layout.
“We ask people to be patient while this work is being carried out as it may take a few days to fine tune the signals to improve traffic flow.
“Busy sites with single lanes can create slow-moving queues as some vehicles accelerate slowly compared to others and gaps develop. The local operations centre is observing the flow and adjusting the signals to reduce the gaps and delays.
“We’re also adding some additional line-marking over the next few weeks to improve exiting from the high traffic volume supermarket,” he says.
A temporary speed limit of 40km/h will remain in place until October, when warmer weather will allow for skid resistant surfacing to be applied, ensuring a quality and long-lasting finish.
“Efficient operation of this intersection is important for both through and local traffic, and we appreciate people’s patience and co-operation during this transition” says Mr Coalter.
Significant development, particularly new housing, is underway in eastern Rotorua and NZTA is planning for the effects of growth across the transport network, and SH30 Te Ngae Road in particular.
SH30 carries between 12,500 (11.6% heavy) south of SH30/SH33 roundabout and 20,700 (7.2% heavy) vehicles near Puarenga Park each day. It is one of 2 key routes between Rotorua and Tauranga and is the key heavy vehicle route for freight.
