Work was set to begin in summer. Photo / Michael Cunngham
Work was set to begin in summer. Photo / Michael Cunngham
It is hoped a new lane will relieve rush-hour congestion at an inadequate one-lane roundabout on Whangarei's Riverside Drive.
Whangarei District Council roading manager Jeff Devine said original designs of the intersection of Dave Culham and Riverside drives allowed for a two lane roundabout.
However, investigation showed the ground sitson up to 25 metres of soft marine mud, meaning the cost of improving the ground to accommodate the full-size roundabout will put the project over budget by $1 million.
"The decision was made by council to only construct the current single lane roundabout initially, as the second lane for the roundabout could be retro-fitted," Mr Devine said. "[Council] intends to install a left turn slip lane on the Onerahi to City approach leg to the roundabout, turning onto Dave Culham Dr," Mr Devine said.
"It is anticipated that these works can be fitted into the original footprint of ground improvement works completed as part of the original construction project."
Work was set to begin in summer, subject to funding. Mr Devine said council was also investigating ways to improve traffic flow on Onerahi hill.
District Councillor Sue Glen said it was now the norm to be stuck in traffic for 10 to 15 minutes on the way into work, and longer on busy days. "You now have to say to yourself, 'Oh well, it's going to take twice as long to get to work in the morning as it used to'," she said.
