Queen Street West roading improvements

Road layout improvements are planned for Queen Street West between the Oxford Street traffic signals and the Salisbury Street roundabout in Levin's town centre.

The work includes reducing the majority of this section of road from four-lane to two-lane, installing a central median, creating an edge-line separating car parks and live lanes, as well as some minor car parking improvements.

Other changes will see the Chamberlain Street entrance to the Levin Mall car park changed from one-way to two-way, and a Give Way sign added at the intersection with Queen Street West.

Horowhenua District Council's Roading Manager Kevin Peel says the current configuration of the road functions poorly and that the changes will greatly improve traffic safety and usability.

"There is insufficient space for four lanes and kerbside parking, and with the large number of turning movements on this section of road, allowances must be made to increase the traffic safety," he said.

"There will be more space for vehicles reversing out of angle parks before entering a live lane. This will make it easier for drivers to check for oncoming traffic before pulling out.

"The central median will give motorists a safe place to wait when turning right, as opposed to waiting in a live lane and blocking traffic.

"And, as bus services no longer use the Levin Mall car park, it is no longer required to keep the Chamberlain Street entrance as “entry only” - making it two-way will be more convenient for traffic," Mr Peel said.

The work is scheduled to take place in the next two weeks and will cause minimal disruption.

In addition, work to upgrade the roundabout at Queen Street West and Salisbury Street is scheduled to start in about two month's time.

ENDS

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