Media Release
Transit New Zealand
Tauranga Regional Office
Media release
31 July 2008
Transit awards roundabout signalisation contract
Transit New Zealand has awarded the construction contract for the signalisation of the Welcome Bay and Maungatapu Roundabouts to Fulton Hogan for $3.9million.
Transit senior project manager Kevin Reid says the project is aimed at improving the capacity and efficiency of the busy roundabouts.
"Traffic models have demonstrated that at peak times the traffic signals and additional lanes will reduce queues by controlling traffic flows. This will reduce delays and keep traffic moving through the roundabouts," he said.
Transit and Tauranga City Council are also taking advantage of the works to upgrade several aspects of the roundabouts that are not directly related to the new signals, including relocation, protection or upgrade of existing services, road widening and strengthening, he said.
Mr. Reid says disruption is to be expected when work on the project commences in the next two weeks.
"A carefully considered traffic management plan which will provide prior warning of works for residents has been put in place and any lane closures will be carefully planned around peak hours to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion," he said.
Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be running throughout the area to advise what works are happening and what road users can expect.
Transit is asking people who would like regular updates about construction as a guide to choose the easiest route to use during construction to sign up by sending an email to roundaboutupdate@beca.com
For more information contact:Kevin Reid
Senior Project Manager
07 927 6008 or 021 2856512.
Or.
Janette Wise
Communications advisor
027 440 1226
Visit us at www.transit.govt.nz