Whakatāne District Council is advising caution for motorists travelling through the Landing Road roundabout site and nearby streets as changes to road layouts are rolled out from Monday.
Acting Transportation Manager David Wathall says the changes are temporary measures intended to help with traffic flows throughout the local roading network during the major construction.
“From Monday, Hinemoa Street will be closed between Victoria Avenue and the Landing Road roundabout as will Landing Road extension,” he says. “We know these closures, combined with the on-site works is expected to result in traffic delays and so we’re making some temporary changes to to support traffic flows and minimise congestion around the Whakatāne Bridge.”
“While it’s important motorists always pay close attention to their surroundings and to road signage, we’re encouraging particular care around the Landing Road area and connecting streets. In some cases the temporary layout change will be the opposite of what people are used to.”
The temporary road layout changes include:
- A new road layout to and from Whakatāne Bridge
- Hinemoa Street closed from Victoria Ave to Landing Road roundabout
- Temporary no right turn in to Nelson Street
- Temporary roundabout installed at Landing Road / Hawera Street intersection
- Temporary roundabout installed at Hawera Street / James Street
- Temporary change to priority give way Victoria Ave / Hawera Street (Victoria Avenue traffic must now give way to Hawera Street traffic)
- No parking on Hawera Street
Mr Wathall says to date traffic delays relating to the work have been manageable, which he puts down to Whakatāne District communities heeding the ‘plan ahead’ message. “We’re grateful the message has been received and people are reducing unnecessary travel. We encourage people to continue to use alternate transport modes such as walking, biking or carpooling, and use SH2/Tāneatua Road (over the Pekatahi Bridge) if coming from Awakeri, Edgecumbe and Kawerau.”
“Failing that, allow more time to get to where you need to be.”
Work on the Landing Road redevelopment and upgrade is progressing well and is on track to be completed on time.
For more information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions see www.whakatane.govt.nz/landingroad