Roundabout to be replaced by lights

Greerton retailers have opposed the change. Pictured is Mainstreet manager David Hart. Photo / File

The disputed plan to replace Greerton Village's Cameron Rd/Chadwick Rd roundabout with traffic lights has been given the green light by the council.

Greerton retailers have opposed the change, with Mainstreet manager David Hart saying earlier this year that the roundabout forced traffic to slow down, making it easier for people to cross the road.

Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout queried why the council wanted to change the intersection layout when people favoured the roundabout.

Council transportation manager Martin Parkes assured this week's meeting that he would be consulting with Greerton Mainstreet. He did not understand why retailers wanted to keep the roundabout.

He argued that the change was needed because it was one of Tauranga's top five local road accident sites.

The council's Long Term Plan said the signals were to primarily address safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists who were "poorly served" by the roundabout. It advocated a holistic approach to traffic and safety management.

"A number of crashes and near misses have been reported in recent years."

Councillor Gail McIntosh also highlighted the opposition from retailers: "Isn't that good enough?" she asked.

Councillor Bev Edlin said traffic lights were a step forward but she wondered how long the growing traffic volumes coming down Cameron Rd could continue to go through Greerton shops. What were the bypass alternatives?

Mr Parkes said people did not need to continue going through Greerton and along the length of Cameron Rd when they had the alternative of Route K.

He said converting the intersection to lights would also complete the missing link in Cameron Rd's cycleway. The missing link was between Greerton village's two Cameron Rd roundabouts.

In another roading decision, the council agreed to find a solution to pedestrian and traffic safety issues at the intersection of Maleme St and Cameron Rd.

Submitters to the 10-year plan said students were at risk.