Work begins later this month to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Tay Street with Racecourse and Rockdale Roads to help improve motorist safety.
The NZ Transport Agency has let a contract to SouthRoads Ltd to build the Invercargill roundabout, below which a 675mm stormwater pipeline will be installed, funded by the Invercargill City Council. The design and construction of the roundabout is worth about $1 million.
NZ Transport Agency State Highway Manager for Otago/Southland Ian Duncan says during the last decade there have been more than 40 crashes at the intersection, almost half of which have resulted in injury.
“Both Racecourse and Rockdale Roads are used extensively by heavy vehicles, such as trucks and school buses, and more than 60 per cent of these are turning into, from or across Tay Street (State Highway 1) at this intersection.
“Building the roundabout will not only address the crash risk at the intersection but it will also help to reduce delays for crossing/turning traffic and driver frustration in having to wait.”
The new roundabout is expected to be completed and operational towards the end of April 2013.
