Improvements to intersection of Kiddle, Arrowsmith and Napier to begin
The intersection of Kiddle Drive, Arrowsmith Avenue and Napier Road is about to be changed to make it safer for school children, cyclists, pedestrians and cars.
The new design will give traffic travelling on Kiddle Drive and Arrowsmith Avenue the right of way, with vehicles on Napier Road required to stop. There will also be cycle lanes, new road signage, new turning lanes and other safety improvements added.
Head of operations Kevin Strongman said the council had heard residents concerns about the high crash rate at the intersection and had worked with traffic specialists to design a solution that made safety the number one priority.
The existing layout of the intersection had caused traffic problems over the past two decades. It was named one of New Zealand Transport Agency’s top 10 crash sites in 2009, before it was handed over to the council as part of the East Taupō Arterial rearrangement. The $120,000 cost of the redesign will be fully funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Mr Strongman said the most significant traffic flows were between Arrowsmith Avenue and Kiddle Drive as opposed to Napier Road. Council was still investigating a roundabout for the intersection and funding had been allowed in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial year should it be required at that time.
“Given the size of the intersection, a reasonable size roundabout would be required and that would be quite costly,” said Mr Strongman. “The change of right of way can be implemented quickly and at this point in time is the most cost-effective solution,” he said.
Contractors Camex expect to start work next week. The project will take about six weeks to complete.