Work won't harm trees

Work has begun on a roundabout on Marine Parade at the intersection with Warren St. Photo / Duncan Brown

Earthmoving has begun and protective tree fencing put in place, with work starting on a roundabout at the Marine Parade intersection with Warren St in Napier South.

One local's concerns that contractors would remove a couple of Norfolk pines as part of the project, were allayed by Napier City Council design manager John Wright.

As Mr Wright basically said - no trees would be harmed in the making of the roundabout.

The 12-week project, which began on Monday, was sparked by a need to make the intersection safer.

"The present geometry of it is very poor," Mr Wright said. The acute angle of the exit from Warren St on to Marine Parade was "not up to scratch" safety-wise.

He said the existing taper for motorists crossing to head south on Marine Parade was too short. It had led to some confusion for motorists, and what the local spoken to referred to as "a few near-misses". Cars would cross from Warren St on to Marine Parade via the thin entranceway, heading south, often without checking to see if any vehicles were approaching from their left. Near-accidents had resulted.

"I've also seen someone drive along and do a U-turn back up the entranceway - it's confusing."

Mr Wright said the roundabout would greatly improve safety.

It would also greatly improve the landscape, because gardens would be part of its centrepiece and pathways would "look after pedestrians" around it.

"A nice-looking entrance to the city," he said.

The construction had meant 10 Norfolk pines in the immediate area needed to be fully fenced off to prevent accidental damage.

"The trees won't be going. We just don't want any excavations to damage their roots."

A 30km/h speed restriction had been put in place while the work was done.