Work to upgrade the Springfield and Otonga Rd's intersection starts this week.
Contractors will begin construction work to elevate the intersection to create a raised platform and roundabout. There will also be improvements to the footpath and the installation of two pedestrian crossings.
The decision to upgrade the intersection was made last May following extensive user and traffic modelling, observations, and research by staff and other specialists.
The review was prompted by a number of incidents at the intersection and requests from Otonga Primary School. Rotorua Lakes Council considered several available options to improve safety for all users without significantly impacting traffic flow.
The three main factors in addressing the safety issues at the intersection were the number of incidents recorded, with two bike related and seven vehicle accidents since 2010, the significant number of unaccompanied children crossing at the intersection, and the establishment of Otonga Primary School zoning which was expected to increase the number of children walking or biking to and from school.