Whakatāne District Council is pleased to advise the Landing Road roundabout will open in full and on time, tomorrow morning (Friday, 15 December).
The site has been under construction since early September while major upgrades were carried out on the roundabout road surface and underlying structural pavement, and underground water services. Safety and layout improvements were also being implemented in the area.
Whakatāne District Council Manager Transport Ann-Elise Reynolds says while it’s pleasing to tie the bow on the project just in time for Christmas, it’s vital everyone moving through the Landing Road neighbourhood is alert to new road layout changes over the coming days.
“The new Landing Road roundabout will officially open from 5am tomorrow morning,” says Ms Reynolds.
“All lanes and connecting roads in and out of the roundabout will open, this includes the new stacking lane for traffic turning left from the bridge into Landing Road.”
Hinemoa Street will also re-open, and traffic will be able to enter Landing Road via a right turn at the roundabout – where the old tear drop layout was.
“This means traffic coming off the bridge and in to Whakatāne will no longer have a ‘free’ left turn in to Landing Road. Rather, they must give way to any traffic turning right in to Landing Road from Landing Road extension (near Whakatāne Rowing Club) and from Hinemoa Street.”
In addition, all temporary road layout changes to Hawera Street, Victoria Avenue, Nelson Street and James Street will be removed and will return to their previous layouts.
Ann-Elise acknowledges the community attention the temporary road layout changes to the surrounding streets received, noting that changing ‘muscle memory’ driving behaviour was trickier than anticipated.
“As we return these residential streets to their previous layouts, it’s more important than ever we stay vigilant and be alert when moving through this area of town.”
Council urges everyone to slow down and be alert and asks for particular caution around the Victoria Avenue / Hawera Street intersection, where Hawera Street traffic must return to stopping for Victoria Avenue traffic.
“We’re working really hard to ensure all residents are notified of these changes before they occur, however we encourage everyone to share the word about these layout changes widely with whānau and friends.”
Ms Reynolds says nearby residents, Whakatāne communities, commuter traffic, and visitors to the district have been incredibly patient while the project has been underway.
“Completing this major project ahead of Christmas is a gift in itself,” says Ann-Elise. Adding, “This has been a huge undertaking for everyone involved and we’re really pleased to be delivering the finished product, minus a few tidy ups, prior to the silly season.”
Final asphalting, line marking and landscaping will continue in the coming weeks as the final touches are completed.