SH1 and 5 Tirau intersection improvements coming

Council is pleased that the New Zealand Transport Agency has confirmed both funding and a works programme for improvements to the State Highway 1 and 5 intersection south of Tirau.

"Representatives from NZTA told Council last week that it hopes to start work on the new road alignment and roundabout before Christmas," said Roger Fisher, Council's Assets Group Manager. "Council has advocated for this project for over ten years, so having the project confirmed to start this year is fantastic news."

The project will cost around $3 million; all of which is funded by NZTA, so there is no impact on local rates. The new roundabout will affect the Tirau Domain and some private neighbours. All affected people have been consulted with, land purchases are being negotiated and NZTA is currently working through a resource consent process with Council.

"This project was identified many years ago but has been postponed several times," said Mr Fisher. "There are serious safety concerns around the current junction with a significant crash rate; and seeing this project move forward is good news for all road users."

The project will also address speed concerns when entering Tirau from the south.

Ends: words: 195