One of the Far North's most loathed intersections looks set to get a roundabout more than 20 years after locals starting calling for safety improvements.
Plans for the notorious State Highway 10-Waipapa Rd junction, developed by the NZ Transport Agency and the Far North District Council, will be unveiled at an open day on Thursday.
The proposal includes a one-lane roundabout and extending Klinac Lane, in the nearby commercial area, so it connects with Waipapa Loop Rd and the new roundabout.
The idea is to improve travel times and create more direct links - Klinac Lane is currently a loop with a single entrance and exit off SH10. While the roundabout will slow traffic and reduce peak-time queues, it will also make it easier and safer for vehicles to turn right from SH10 and side roads.
Locals maintain the only reason there are so few serious accidents at the intersection is that drivers are so cautious when using it.
NZTA Northland highway manager Brett Gliddon said Waipapa and Kerikeri had grown significantly in recent years with the SH10-Waipapa Rd intersection now seeing an average of 13,000 vehicle movements a day.
"That's why we starting work now to improve this key transport connection for tourism, primary industries, local workers and communities," he said.
Waipapa resident Ann Court has long campaigned for improvements to the intersection, informally since 1989 and seriously for the past 20 years - first as Waipapa Business Association chairman, then as a community board member and now as a Far North District councillor.
As well as the roundabout and Klinac Lane extension the plan involved significant changes to parking and made allowances for cyclists and pedestrians, she said.
All options for improving the intersection had been considered, including traffic lights and slip lanes, but a roundabout had by far the best cost-benefit ratio.
Ms Court said it was not yet a done deal, however, with government funding to be confirmed on July 1 at the earliest. Some residents have been calling on the council to scrap the consultation and just get on with the job, but Ms Court said consultation was required by law and as part of the business case to get funding.
• The open day will be held at Waipapa Hall on Waipapa Loop Rd from 3pm-6.30pm on June 1. The project team will be on hand to answer questions.