A much-loathed roundabout in Kerikeri is to get a makeover after a series of crashes and public complaints.
The roundabout, at the junction of Kerikeri Road, Hobson Ave and Butler Road, was built to handle increased traffic flow when the new Countdown supermarket opened in late 2011. Since then it has been the subject of many complaints and minor accidents.
Most problems arise when traffic from Kerikeris main street is split into two lanes, one for cars turning left or going straight through, the other for cars turning right into Butler Road.
A report presented to the Far North District Council meeting last week said the high-density roundabout, with its closely-spaced lanes and small size overall, created a situation where cars could easily collide if drivers did not follow the lane markings precisely.
Engineering firm Haigh Workman was asked to come up with alternatives. Traffic lights were considered but rejected, for traffic flow reasons and because they would alter the character of the surrounding area. Instead the roundabout will be re-designed so it has just one lane for traffic approaching from the main street. A new lane divider will allow controlled left turns into Hobson Ave.
