Whakatāne District Council is advising drivers to expect and plan for significant disruption to travel from next week as work ramps up on the Landing Road roundabout.
From next Monday, September 11, major closures will impact Hinemoa Street and will be in place in a variety of stages until early December. These closures, combined with on-site works are expected to result in traffic delays across the local roading network.
“To date, the Landing Road roundabout renewal and upgrade project is tracking well,” says General Manager Infrastructure Bevan Gray. “The infrastructure upgrades have been ticking along nicely and have occurred without too much impact on traffic.”
Bevan continues, “However, from Monday we’ll be starting construction of the new road surface and roundabout and we’re anticipating significant delays and interruptions to normal travel until early December.”
Mr Gray says while Council acknowledges the situation is less than ideal, it’s the necessary downside to having these important works implemented.
“We’re fortunate to be rarely affected by substantial traffic disruption around the district so this situation may take a bit of adjusting to,” notes Bevan. “However, we’re hopeful that everyone heeds the ‘plan ahead’ message, allows more time to move about and patience prevails.”
Council is committed to minimising disruption to traffic during these works, however drivers are encouraged to consider using alternate transport modes such as walking, biking or carpooling where possible. This will not only reduce the congestion of the roundabout but will also reduce general congestion into town from SH30, and throughout town too.
In addition, during these works traffic in to Whakatāne from Awakeri, Edgecumbe and Kawerau, and all heavy traffic, is encouraged to use SH2/Tāneatua Road (over the Pekatahi Bridge). While this route is approximately 10mins/13km longer into town, during construction it may be more efficient.
Other ways to reduce unnecessary travel include (where possible), working from home, getting items such as groceries and retail purchases delivered, and utilising school bus and public transport services where available. Failing this, allow more time to get to where you need to be.
Bevan says it’s also a timely reminder for drivers to be aware of safe roundabout etiquette.
“There are several roundabouts heading in to Whakatāne CBD and we are expecting they will be busy during these works – especially at peak times.” He continues, “We all need to respect those around us and follow the road rules. Remember to indicate, stay in your lane, and be courteous by not blocking ‘keep clear’ zones.”
Road closure details
• Phase 1: 11 September – 22 October
Right turn lane into Hinemoa Street closed from Whakatāne Bridge.
• Phase 2: 23 October – 2 November
Hinemoa Street closed from roundabout to Victoria Avenue.
• Phase 2.5 – 3 November – 28 November
Traffic will flow around roundabout, but not yet into Hinemoa Street.
• Phase 3 – 29 November – 15 December
Roundabout re-opened with small works taking place off road.
Movements from Whakatāne Bridge into Landing Road will remain open during all phases.
Upcoming water shutdown
Council reminds residents and businesses in Whakatāne West, that as part of this project, a temporary water shutdown is scheduled overnight from 9pm Thursday 7th September to 5am Friday 8th September.
This includes Coastlands Subdivision, Piripai, Shaw Road Subdivision, The Hub, Gateway Industrial Area, Mill Road Industrial Area, and other rural properties supplied via the Whakatāne Water Scheme.