Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s joint proposal for a new transport environment for the suburb of Frankton was the subject of day one of hearings, at the resort’s Crowne Plaza.
The NZTA and the council lodged the notices of requirement in December last year to designate additional land for the improvements.
The plans are part of the Government’s upgrade programme that has budgeted $115 million for significant proposed roading changes to bolster bus, pedestrian and cycle links along Queenstown’s Frankton entrance.
This includes replacing the State Highway 6-SH6A roundabout with a signalised intersection, adding bus lanes, expanding the existing bus hub and improving access for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project’s assessment of environmental effects said land use and tourism changes meant peak-hour demand to travel between Frankton and Queenstown was predicted to more than double by 2048.
The application said proposed traffic signals at the intersection would make it safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
It would also help improve the flow of traffic into and out of Queenstown’s town centre.
The bus lanes would connect into the new intersection and have priority.
NZTA solicitor Nicky McIndoe asked the panel of experts to recommend a small reduction in the project’s footprint after it was discovered during consultation that some of the land required for construction would not be needed.
The hearing continues today.
By Matt Porter
