Cambridge may soon get its first-ever set of pedestrian and cycling underpasses along with a new roundabout on a key arterial road.
Committee members at today’s Service Delivery meeting heard a proposal for the construction of a new intersection on Cambridge Road, near Te Awa Lifecare retirement village.
Waipā District Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson said the intersection was necessary to cater for future growth in Cambridge.
“There are two major growth cells, C2 and C3, earmarked for development in the north west of Cambridge. Once developed, access to those areas will be from Cambridge Road.
“To ensure the road does not become dangerous as the volume of drivers using it increases, we need to look at future-proofing it by creating a safer roading environment.”
Hudson said Council had explored several options for the new intersection, but the current proposal offered the greatest benefits for the community.
“In August 2019, Council commissioned a report looking into the options. It identified two suitable intersection options - traffic signals or a roundabout with four underpasses.
“The option we are proposing will significantly improve traffic safety, requires less land and would mean less delays and risks for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the roads.”
Hudson said the next step was for Council to seek feedback on the design from key stakeholders and explore other design elements such as CCTV installation and minimising land disturbance and loss of mature trees.
“We have the initial concept complete and now need to look at more detailed aspects such how we can create safe, attractive and user-friendly underpasses.”
From there, Council would look to secure land agreements with the aim of beginning the procurement process in January next year.
All things going well, construction would likely start in April 2021 and take around eight months to complete.
Work on the roundabout will also be coordinated with an upgrade of Cambridge Road, set to take place next year. It includes the installation of walking and cycling tracks, stormwater drainage and other utilities in the road corridor such as power, water and telecommunications.
