News Release
Tuesday 9 April 2013

Lake Road upgrade nearing completion

ROTORUA 09.04.13: Despite unearthing a number of ‘hot spots’ during construction work, upgrading of Lake Road is expected to be completed close to the original timeframe and within budget.

The $14m Rotorua District Council (RDC) project widening Lake Road to four lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion is expected to be complete next month [May].

RDC works manager Peter Dine said the 18 month project is proceeding according to plan in terms of both timing and cost. He said Lake Road would be a safer, less congested and more attractive route into Rotorua when completed.

“The long spell of dry weather over the past few months has ensured that weather conditions haven’t interfered with work progress.

“A number of ‘hot spots’ - hot gas and steam vents - have been uncovered along the way. But fortunately this type of geothermal activity isn’t uncommon in Rotorua and we’re pretty adept at backfilling and venting them effectively.

“Current works on Karenga Park’s new Koutu Youth Space nearby have required large amounts of soil to help raise the previously sodden surface. So it’s been very handy being able to transfer surplus fill from Lake Road to the park, and proved to be a win-win situation.”

Mr Dine said the council had received a relatively low number of complaints from the public given the nature of the job, and drivers have been very cooperative and have been demonstrating courteous behaviour.

“It’s a large project so unfortunately some delays and inconvenience is inevitable, however the travelling public have been pretty understanding and I’m sure the substantially improved road will be worth their wait.

“We’ve had two minor crashes on Lake Road since works began but in the past there were numerous crashes along this stretch - at least every couple of weeks - so this shows people have been slowing down to accommodate the work underway.”

Mr Dine said some utilities costs were higher than originally projected due to additional work required however the job was still running within overall budget.

“Once works are complete it will mean a vast improvement. Traffic will flow more freely, access will be much better for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, and it will provide a fresher, tidier impression of Rotorua for people coming into the city via this entryway.

“There has already been significant private investment in property along this road, even before work has been finished, and Council expects more investment on completion.”

The final phase of the project now underway is pavement construction and road sealing between the new Lake Road roundabout and Koutu Corner.

[ENDS]

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