A new $4.5 million roundabout will improve safety and support economic growth in Hamilton says transport minister Simon Bridges.
“Data shows that changing a T-intersection or a crossroad to a roundabout reduces death and serious injury crashes by 90% while the total number of crashes reduces by as much as 80%,’’ says Bridges.
The roundabout, at the intersection of State Highway 3 (Ohaupo Road) and State Highway 21 (Airport Road) south of Hamilton, is part of the development of the city’s airport business zone.
“Safety was also a major driver behind this project with the roundabout replacing a T-intersection that has been the scene of 24 crashes in the past five years,” says Bridges.
“The new roundabout will also help enable economic growth in Hamilton by improving access to current and future industrial development in the airport area, the Mystery Creek Events Centre, and Fieldays,” he says.
Bridges says building roundabouts at high-speed intersections was a part of the Government’s focus on reducing New Zealand’s road toll.
He says the Hamilton roundabout is future-proofed for an upgrade in line with future industrial growth.
“Waikato plays a significant role in the transportation of goods nationally due to its central location and vital connections to other regions. We’re committed to ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to continue to help drive economic growth in this Central region,” says Bridges.
