Traffic lights are being signalled for Queenstown's most congested intersection.
The New Zealand Transport Agency says lights are one option being considered for the BP roundabout at Frankton, which experiences huge queues of traffic at the height of summer and when skiers descend from The Remarkables skifield.
NZ Transport Agency planning manager Tony Sizemore said the roundabout was woefully inadequate at peak times, especially considering the huge traffic volume growth along Frankton Rd.
Buses, cyclists and pedestrians also needed to be considered.
Mr Sizemore said: ''The thing that would probably lean us towards signals is the pedestrian movements.''
Historic planning work showed traffic lights would give ''quite a significant amount of relief'', he said, but the information needed to be updated.
An enlarged roundabout would be more dangerous for pedestrians because of faster traffic flows.
''Every time I sit there I look in horror as people take their lives in their hands dashing across between the cars,'' Mr Sizemore said.
Queenstown mayor Vanessa van Uden says the BP roundabout is ''the key intersection'' in the Wakatipu basin and needs urgent improvement.
She said lights would improve traffic volumes, add bus priority and improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
''However, it is important that all options be investigated thoroughly. We understand that the design work is very much in the early stages and that this together with public consultation will only get really started later this year.''
- Mountain Scene
