New roundabout work on Nelson and Eastbourne streets will start on Monday

There had been 25 crashes at the intersection over the past five years. Photo / File.

The construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Nelson and Eastbourne streets will start on Monday.

The intersection will be closed to through-traffic during the construction which is expected to take about eight weeks, weather permitting.

Hastings District Council transportation manager Jag Pannu said closing the intersection would allow the project to be completed at a much faster rate than would be possible if traffic was managed through the site. It was also safer for members of the public and the construction team.

Access to businesses would be maintained and adjustments made to the timing of traffic lights at nearby intersections to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles.

Council's works and services committee chairman Kevin Watkins said the decision to install a roundabout at the intersection had "overwhelming" public support during public consultation earlier this year on how best to improve safety at the intersection.

Of those who chose to have input, 96 per cent were in favour of a roundabout.
The growing crash rate at the site had prompted an investigation of options for making it safer.

There had been 25 crashes at the intersection over the past five years with 21 of them involving turning vehicles.

About 10,000 cars a day went through the intersection.

Watkins said the roundabout would vastly improve safety and traffic flow.

"While we are at the intersection we are also taking the opportunity to replace water and storm water infrastructure under the road that is due for upgrading," he said.

"We do ask that people take extra care in the area during the construction period, both for their own safety and that of the general public and site workers."

Businesses in the immediate area had been individually contacted regarding the project.