New signs to remind motorists

Since the new give-way rules came into effect, give-way signs have been installed at six intersections around Central Otago.

The installation of at least three more signs is being investigated.

The six that have been changed are all operated by the New Zealand Transport Association (NZTA) - the intersections of State Highway 8B with SH6 and SH8 at Cromwell, the intersection of SH8 and Sunderland St at Clyde and the intersections of SH6 with SH84 (Mt Iron), McDonnell Rd (Arrow Junction) and Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Rd, near Queenstown.

NZTA principal asset manager Roger Bailey said the change was to avoid confusion for drivers at intersections where those turning left had been separated from the main flow of traffic by an island.

"We placed give way controls on left-turn lanes at intersections where the presence of a physical island separates the right- and left-turning traffic.

"Essentially, we treated the left-turn lane as a separate intersection in this situation, making it a terminating road."

Central Otago District Council roading manager Julie Muir said no changes had yet been made to council-controlled roads in the district but the council was considering installing a stop sign on Spencer St at the intersection with Killarney, Moa and Bantry Sts, as it could be a confusing intersection.

The council was also looking at changes around the Cromwell Town Centre car park.

Queenstown Lakes District Council transport safety engineer Andrew Edgar said his council was looking at all intersections in the district and while it had not changed any yet, it was "paying special attention" to some intersections, particularly ones on Gorge Rd, in Queenstown, where left-turners were faced with give-way signs.

Clutha District Council assets manager Jules Witt said no intersections had been changed in the Clutha district "and at this stage we've got no plans ... we're just going to monitor them".

Waitaki District Council roading assets manager Michael Voss said things had also not changed in the Waitaki district, but intersections would be "routinely monitored for incidents".

- sarah.marquet@odt.co.nz

 

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