Hospital lights fully operational next month

New traffic lights outside Whangarei Hospital should be fully operational early next month.

New traffic lights outside Whangarei Hospital won't be fully operational until next month, despite the lights partially operating with temporary traffic management in place using the lights' signals.

NZ Transport Agency has been working with Northland District Health Board and Whangarei District Council to install traffic signals at the intersection of State Highway 14 and a painted flush median along the highway from Silverstream Rd toward the town centre.

The new lights are part of improvements to safety and traffic movements outside the hospital and the works have caused some traffic congestion, particularly at peak times.

The upgrade will also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by extending existing cycle lanes 700m along the state highway to just past Hospital Rd. This will improve cycle connections between Maunu and the city.

The traffic signals have been installed and partially operating since the end of May, NZTA said. Construction will continue at the southwestern corner of the intersection.

"We're reminding motorists that it's still a construction site and there'll be crews working, so please be patient and take extra care through this area until all the work is finished," an NZTA spokesperson said.

"The real benefits and improvements to traffic movements through this intersection won't be realised until the intersection is completed and fully functioning in early July.

"These improvements will make it safer and easier for staff, visitors and patients to turn into and out of the hospital and is part of our commitment to improving traffic flows and safety for the growing population in this area."

NZTA has been receiving queries about the lights and people think the intersection is fully operational, which is not the case.