News Release
Friday 30 October 2009

Fairy Springs Road Four-laning project begins next week

ROTORUA 30.10.09: Rotorua District Council and NZ Transport Agency’s Fairy Springs Road Four-laning project starts next week and is expected to take about a year to complete.

Works will start gradually and will include removal of all poles and some trees, ground trenching for new underground services and drainage, and intersection and widening works.

NZ Transport Agency is funding the $4.5 million highway project.

RDC highway and road safety manager, Kevin Thompson, is asking motorists and residents to be patient because the works will affect a significant length of the road for some time.

“We are asking drivers to please follow directions and to be patient while the works are underway. Motorists may want to consider alternate routes to work, for example if living at Hamurana perhaps driving to the city around the lake might be a good alternative for a period.”

He says road safety and efficiency are the key drivers of the project.

“The area has a significant crash rate due to the high number of intersections situated in a short space of road, and from unfamiliar drivers visiting a number of tourist attractions in the vicinity.

“Additionally the daily traffic volume of 23,000 vehicles per day results in congestion at peak times.

“The traffic tailback due to the Old Quarry Rd pedestrian crossing and large volumes of traffic at Kawaha Point Rd, result in traffic movement in the area being very slow most mornings. This also means motorists trying to enter from side streets find it very difficult to do so.”

Mr Thompson says several of Rotorua’s largest tourist attractions are located in the area, so providing effective clear access and directions to them is another key part of the job.

Work this summer will involve moving of overhead power cables and poles, moving all telecommunication and gas services, work on construction of the major intersections and on the outer lanes while traffic still runs on the inner lanes.

Rotorua District Council will be sending out email newsletters on the project and weekly progress updates will be available on the council website www.rdc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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