AN HOUR before local media was due to gather at GJ Gardner on Te Ngae Rd to hear a big announcement from Transport Minister Simon Bridges there was a minor crash at the nearby Tarawera roundabout.
It was slightly ironic timing, given a new roundabout to improve traffic flow was to be one of the key upgrades announced. Although the truck involved was moved out of the way, traffic quickly built up with rows of cars waiting to pass.
It's a not unfamiliar scenario for Eastside residents and those that regularly travel the busy route in and out of town.
Every time there is an accident, big or small, or the traffic lights decide to play up or there is heavy traffic during rush hour, there are delays. Once stuck in it, there is nowhere to go. Yesterday's announcement of $24 million Government funding will therefore be welcomed by many Rotorua residents-who will just be wishing it could happen faster than the two to three years it's expected to take.
It will also hopefully be the start of getting residents, businesses and iwi some certainty around what is happening roading-wise on the eastside.
