Tirau Roundabout

A seven-metre high stone monolith will be a feature of the State Highway 1/5 roundabout under construction south of Tirau.

Work on the $4 million-plus roundabout - which replaces the current T-intersection nearby - is continuing over winter but the final road connections can't be done until spring as the deep excavations needed to complete the tie-ins require drier weather.

In the meantime NZ Transport Agency Acting Highway Manager Karen Boyt says contractors will continue installing services such as lighting, footpaths, fences and extensive planting.

The two pin oak trees planted in the Tirau Reserve, to mark the visit there by the Queen on her 1953/54 tour, are being retained in the centre of the roundabout. The Hinuera stone monolith is also going into the centre and will mark the entry and exit to Ngati Raukawa rohe (territory).

The roundabout, trees and monolith will be lit up with the latest LED lighting system, which is both sharper and more economical.

About 20,000 cubic metres of soil from the site have been used to re-contour the back part of the adjoining reserve and will help with the Tirau community's proposal for Council to install a walking track (yet to be confirmed by Council).

The new roundabout will provide safe access to the reserve and is an important step in opening up the area for public use, Ms Boyt says.

When SH1 and SH5 connect to the roundabout, the council will use the old torn up highway for other projects in its area.

This section of highway carries around 12,000 vehicles each day and is a key junction for traffic travelling to and from Rotorua or continuing along SH1, Ms Boyt says.

ENDS