Monday, 30 June

Work to rebuild Victoria Avenue and College Street roundabout set to start

Work will start this week, subject to weather conditions, on fixing the Victoria Street and College Street roundabout following safety concerns.

The central traffic island in the newly constructed roundabout is smaller than designed and offset to one side. The effect being motorists are not slowed, to the extent anticipated by the design, to ensure safe operation for all users, particularly cyclists. Furthermore the island on Victoria Ave traveling north from Te Awe Awe Street was also constructed in the wrong location thereby creating a pinch point for cyclists and vehicles.

Roading manager Graeme Tong says Council became aware of the situation after cyclists raised concerns after it was built. A surveyor was deployed and following confirmation Council introduced a 30 kilometre an hour speed restriction.

Mr Tong says since then Council and Chris Gommans Contracting have investigated and found there were a number of things at play which caused the issues and both parties have come to an agreement on a way forward.

Around half of the concrete apron on the central roundabout will be removed and reconstructed in a larger shape. This part of the project will cost an estimated $28,000 of which Council’s designer will fund $10,000.

The splitter island in Victoria Avenue on the Te Awe Awe side will be removed and reconstructed at an estimated cost of $4,000 which will be paid for by Council as the initial set-out points were in the wrong location.

Graeme Tong says on average Council constructs about two roundabouts a year and this is the first time an issue like this has occurred.

“As a result, process changes will be made to ensure this won’t happen again.”

Chris Gommans Contracting contract manager, Adam Liverton, says it is disappointing for all concerned however he’s pleased it will be resolved as public safety is paramount.

ENDS

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