Three Accidents In Three Weeks: Canterbury Crash Spot Gets Safety Upgrade

Monday, 5 May 2025, 6:44 pm
Article: Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter

A mother is relieved to see safety upgrades to a Mid Canterbury intersection where her son was involved in the latest crash at the well-known “danger spot”.

Rebecca Dirk’s 17-year-old son David was involved in a crash at the intersection of State Highway 77 and Thompsons Track last month.

As a local, David was aware of the risks at the intersection, she said.

Her son spotted a vehicle travelling along Thompson Track towards the intersection and not slowing down for the give way, so David did.

Her son’s tentative approach at the “danger spot” saved his life as the other vehicle drove straight out into his path, she said.

“It’s lucky he saw them coming and hit the brakes, or it could have been much worse.

“They didn’t give way and barely slowed down.

“It was the third accident in three weeks and as far as I’m aware it’s the fifth or sixth car written off at that intersection since the start of the year.”

The intersection is now undergoing a safety upgrade.

Ashburton deputy mayor and Methven resident Liz McMillan had “never been so glad to see a road cone in my life” when NZTA contractors started the safety upgrade last week.

McMillan said the intersection has been a black spot for crashes and near misses over the years, and that had spiked this year.

She travels the road most days – the main route between Methven and Ashburton, and like the many locals actively slows down on the 100kph highway to keep an eye out for motorists coming along Thompsons Track who might not give way.

“It’s that bad that the local postie who drives through there every day told me she feels like she is the one giving way she is so wary.

“It’s been a problem for a while and I’m aware of several people involved in crashes or near misses there.”

The council requested NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi look at a safety upgrade for the intersection in March following a spate of incidents – before Dirks' incident.

NZTA Mid and South Canterbury maintenance contract manager Chris Chambers said the safety improvements will help address the ongoing safety concerns at the intersection of SH77/Thompsons Track following recent crashes, as well as concerns raised by stakeholders and the public.

He said the main change is the Give Way on the western side of Thompsons Track will become a Stop sign.

They are also constructing new concrete splitter islands on both sides of the intersection, providing gated Stop signage on both sides, and gated advanced warning Stop signage.

The work was expected to be completed last week until the wet weather stuck, so will be by the end of this week he said.

Dirks was happy to hear the intersection was being made safer but questioned if it was going to be enough.

“I’m so happy they are making changes. It just comes a little late for us but hopefully it prevents the next one.

“Hopefully it’s enough and that’s all we can really hope for.

“I don’t want anyone else to get that phone call."

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