Smashes continue at Whangarei accident 'hotspot'

CRUNCHED: The front of this black Chrysler (centre) was extensively damaged in a collision in which the driver of a four-wheel drive allegedly failed to stop and give way. PHOTO/MIKAELA COLLINS

A crash "hotspot" caused by major roadworks on a central Whangarei street now has one more rush-hour collision to add to the list of crashes.

A two-car pile-up yesterday became the 19th crash in the area since roadworks began in February. The vehicles collided on an intersection at Deveron St and Mill Rd about 8.30am.

Senior Sergeant Steve Dickson said a woman driving an Isuzu four-wheel-drive went through a stop sign, causing a woman in a black Chrysler, heading north on Mill Rd, to T-bone the Isuzu.

Both cars were extensively damaged and one lane on Deveron St was blocked for 30 minutes while a tow-truck removed both vehicles.

The woman deemed to have failed to give way was issued an $150 infringement for failing to stop at a stop sign.

Senior Sergeant Steve Dickson told motorists: "It's simple, obey the road rules and stop and give way."

Nixon St and part of Hatea Drive have been closed to non-residents as part of the first stage of a project to expand the road to four lanes.

Until mid-June, drivers are being detoured through Kamo Rd, Mill Rd, Parahaki St, Mair St and another part of Hatea Drive.