Roundabout goes full circle

The Norton Road roundabout area will soon be a lot brighter, easier to use, and more accessible.

Work on the Norton Road roundabout and pedestrian improvements programme begins today.

The project involves changing the roundabout to a full round central island - the current roundabout was reconfigured in 2008 for the Hamilton leg of the V8 super car series racing. The roundabout will then be beautified with low level, cricket-themed planting as part of the buildup to the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Operations team leader Robyn Denton said, as well as looking a lot nicer, the area will also be much more accessible and easy to use for pedestrians.

"We will be improving the pedestrian facilities on all of the roads that feed into the roundabout.

"This means dealing with the steep kerb gradients and providing safer places for people to stand while they are waiting to cross the roads. At the moment it can be difficult for pedestrians, including those with mobility aids, to safely negotiate their way around the area - the work will make it easier and safer for everyone."

The pavement that is being pulled out of the central island area will be salvaged and reused elsewhere in road construction.

City councillor and Frankton advocate Angela O'Leary said the improvement works would create a great entranceway into Frankton.

"This is a busy area for both motorists and pedestrians. These works will not only make the area look much better and brighter but it will improve the connectivity between Frankton, the CBD and our major sporting facilities of Seddon Park and Waikato Stadium," says councillor O'Leary.

The work is expected to take a couple of weeks to be completed but will be very dependent on weather conditions.

Delays are not expected to be significant but council urges drivers to take extra care in the area while works are takingplace.