Three new Northland roundabouts open to make festive traffic flow smoothly

A new roundabout Puketona Junction at the intersection of SH10 and SH11 opened to traffic on Monday, will help traffic flows and road safety this festive season, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.

Holiday traffic through Northland's state highway network should flow more easily after three new roundabouts have opened, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.

The new roundabout at Puketona Junction at the intersection of SH10 and SH11 went live on Monday night, while those at Waipapa on SH10 north of Kerikeri, and at Kawakawa at the intersection of SH1 and SH11 have also recently been made operational.

Waka Kotahi expects the new roundabouts to ease traffic congestion - and make things safer - at the busy intersections.

"These roundabouts are all at locations heavily used by locals as well as visitors to the area – all three are on the Twin Coast Discovery Route, Northland's main tourist artery. Having the roundabouts in place for the summer will help to ease congestion and make holiday travel safer and easier for everyone," Waka Kotahi acting senior manager project delivery Rod James said.

The new roundabout at Kawakawa at the intersection of SH1 and SH11.

"The construction crew at Puketona Junction made a big push to get the new roundabout linked up with the bridge on SH10 near Te Ahu Ahu Rd in time for Christmas. We've already seen a huge amount of positive feedback from the community about the roundabouts at Kawakawa and Waipapa, and Puketona will add to a much improved experience for road users.

"Puketona Junction has a poor safety record due to the high volume of turning traffic accessing the Bay of Islands at this intersection. The roundabout will improve safety and reduce road closures caused by crashes."

There is a temporary 50km/h speed limit through the Puketona roundabout work area and traffic cones and other safety measures will be in place over the holiday period.

Final surfacing and other finishing work will be done in the new year, with the project due for completion in April 2021.

"At Waipapa crews have worked extremely hard to seal SH10, the roundabout and Waipapa Rd and ensure as many footpaths are completed as possible so that they can leave the site clear and tidy for the holidays," James said.

"Final asphalting and landscaping works will be completed in the new year, along with the Maritime Lane extension and link with Klinac Lane. The project should be complete as planned in April 2021.

"Work will continue on a new retaining wall in Kawakawa next year, where carved panels will enhance the appearance and cultural status of the previously scrub-covered entrance to the township. This is well on track to be finished by June, if not before."

Work on all Waka Kotahi work sites in Northland has now shut down, resuming at midday on January 5, to help minimise delays for motorists.

Meanwhile, police and Waka Kotahi are urging motorists to be patient, stick to the road rules and any speed limits to ensure they arrive at their destination safely.