Safer crossing outside high school
Traffic lights and safer pedestrian crossings are on the way for Frankton’s busy Hawthorne Drive, as Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) begins work on safety improvements for the area later this month.
The upgrades include traffic lights to better manage two Hawthorne Drive intersections, one set at Red Oaks Drive and the second at Cherry Blossom Drive.
The project also includes installation of two raised pedestrian crossings, one crossing Red Oaks Drive from Whakatipu High School and the other crossing Hawthorne Drive near New World supermarket.
QLDC acting General Manager Property and Infrastructure Tony Avery said the work would create a safer environment whether you’re driving, walking or cycling.
“We’ve seen significant growth around the Frankton area over recent years along with changes in the way the Hawthorne Drive area is used. There’s a real mix of things happening out there, from the high school and library to a range of recreational opportunities and accommodation options.
“These intersections are currently very busy so introducing the lights at Red Oaks and Cherry Blossom Drive will reduce the risk of an accident and vastly improve the safety for all road users. Furthermore, raised tables will reduce vehicle speeds and create a more pedestrian friendly environment,” he said.
Work is expected to start on Tuesday, 28 March, and take two-three months, weather dependent. As with any infrastructure upgrade, there will be disruption while the work is underway. Drivers can expect reduced speed limits, narrow traffic lanes and potential delays. There may be lane closures required at times, this will be communicated well in advance.
Budget for the Hawthorne Drive intersection project is estimated at $1.2m which will receive a subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. It is also aligned with their Road to Zero Framework which seeks to see a significant reduction in death or serious injury caused by motor vehicles.
Downer has been contracted to complete the work. The Downer team will be communicating directly with businesses in the vicinity of the works ahead of construction starting.
Yesterday, new traffic lights to manage the Duke / Shotover Street intersection went live.
Shotover Street will flow on green unless a red light is triggered by vehicles on Duke Street or pedestrians.
"The signalised pedestrian crossing will help keep the traffic flowing and ensure the safety for those wandering around enjoying the streets", council spokesman Sam White says.
The system is operated by the Wellington Transport Operations Centre, which monitors all signalised systems on the Waka Kotahi network from the Wellington region and through the South Island.
They’ll be monitoring the lights and make tweaks to the signal phasing if required.
