The NZ Transport Agency says a $2.6 million project to upgrade Hamilton’s busiest roundabout has wrapped up –a fortnight ahead of schedule.
The NZ Transport Agency says a $2.6 million project to upgrade Hamilton’s busiest roundabout has wrapped up –a fortnight ahead of schedule.
The Hillcrest roundabout has been revamped to have three entry lanes for city-bound State Highway 1 traffic and a slip lane for vehicles heading on to SH26 (Morrinsville Road).
The upgrade has been designed to improve safety, and help ease congestion at the roundabout which is the city’s busiest with 37,000 vehicles passing through each day.
Work started in September and the project was completed last week, two weeks ahead of the planned December finish.
The Transport Agency’s Hamilton highways manager, Kaye Clark says the job has gone well thanks to the support and understanding of the local community and motorists, and the hard work of the contractor.
“This was always going to be a complicated job but our contractor Cambridge Construction Company has been wonderful, managing the traffic through the site night and day and doing their best to cause the least disruption to travellers, local residents, businesses and schools,” Mrs Clark says.
“It has not been an easy job for the contractor. Most of the work was done at night so that traffic, especially at peak times, was not badly impacted. The early finish shows what a great job they have done managing a tricky site.”
Mrs Clark says people should drive with care and pay extra attention to the new road signs, so they know which lane to use when entering the roundabout.
“We have put in extra road markings and signage to show people which lane they should be travelling in, but it is important that drivers slow down as they come up to the roundabout, are in the correct lane and drive carefully through the roundabout.”
For tips on how to use various types of roundabouts go to: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/about-driving/giving-way-at-roundabouts/
