The traffic crossing, which runs across State Highway 84 between Ballantyne Rd and Ardmore St, is part of the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s ongoing "Schools to Pool" active transport project and was officially switched on in August.
In a discussion that ran for almost an hour at the Cardrona Community Hall, the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) agonised over whether to offer their retroactive approval of changes to the traffic layout, which now prevented traffic from making right-hand turns into or out of Ardmore St.
The board ultimately voted to approve the changes, four members in favour and three opposed.
The meeting began with an apology from Queenstown Lake District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason, who acknowledged decision-making on the layout changes should have been delegated to the board before work had even begun on the crossing.
"It was an honest error. It was missed as this project was worked through that this form of approval was required."
Mr Mason explained if the changes were not approved, reinstating the right-hand turn into Ardmore St would require the removal or relocation of the signalled crossing.
In response to a question from community board chairman Simon Telfer, Mr Mason said the cost of the infrastructure associated with the crossing had been about $560,000 and the cost of removal would be "very similar".
Board member Barry Bruce, who unsuccessfully moved to have the board reject the new layout, questioned why the council report focused solely on safety and not efficiency.
"I’ve operated my business [Wānaka Rentacar] on that corner for 25 years, so I do get to observe traffic movements and I do note there’s serious congestion appearing at times, even though it’s not peak season."
He also questioned why the local fire service, stationed in Ballantyne Rd, had not been communicated with before the traffic layout was altered.
Mr Telfer asked Mr Bruce whether his relationship with his landlord, who also owns the land on which the nearby Alpine Motel Wānaka is based, had any bearing on his decision-making.
"I take offence to that comment, Mr Chair," Mr Bruce said, adding he had observed the corner’s traffic for 25 years.
Board member Lyal Cocks floated the idea of switching the traffic lights off until a proper assessment could be completed.
This was opposed by QLDC general manager of property and infrastructure Tony Avery, who stood up from his seat in the public gallery to say he was "concerned about the implications on the safety of the road".
"This is not a political decision to turn lights on and off ... I think you really require further advice and information before you make that decision."
He suggested the board could approach Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for a report on the operations of the traffic lights after three or six months.
Board member John Wellington said keeping the lights on over the summer would be the best way to stress test the layout.
"In the peak season that road is gridlocked anyway. I think we need to experience it to see if there are any genuine problems, then review."
