Traffic island and stop sign for Whanganui Fitzherbert Ave and Totara St intersection

The planned new layout for the Fitzherbert Ave and Totara St intersection. Photo / Whanganui District Council

The notorious Totara St intersection with Fitzherbert Ave won't be getting the roundabout 1400 residents petitioned for.

Instead, it will get a traffic island and T-intersection to help slow traffic around the notorious bend.

Fitzherbert Ave resident Sandra Watson helped organise the petition calling for a roundabout after four cars ploughed through her fence in 12 months.

But Whanganui District Council senior roading engineer Rui Leitao said roundabouts required an even distribution of traffic from all entry points to work, which this intersection did not have.

Leitao said the controlled T-intersection with an island "provides the greatest benefits for investment".

It will be similar to the Guyton St and Purnell St intersection and will cost an estimated $10,000 with 61 per cent funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Watson said she was happy with the compromise.

"At least it's better than nothing and it sounds like they'll be doing it sooner rather than later which is a bonus."

The work is expected to be completed by July while the Fitzherbert Ave extension through to Mosston Rd is schedule from the next three years.

One of the 11 cars to have crashed into Sandra Watson's fence in 14 years. Photo / Stuart Munro

Councillors approved the work at a meeting on Tuesday where Mayor Hamish McDouall said, while not the exact situation the petitioners wanted, it was a good compromise.

"I think this is a good option, particularly since Fitzherbert Ave will change notably in character in the next few years."

Council staff will also investigate options for crossing of pedestrians on Fitzherbert Ave and report back to the council's infrastructure committee.