Relocation of Boer War Memorial First Step to Improve Road Safety

The Boer War Memorial in Thames Street will soon come to rest in a new location, when work begins on 9 June to move it 40 metres south to the lower section of Thames Street. This will be the first step in a Transit New Zealand project aimed to improve safety on State Highway 1 in Oamaru.

 

The first proposed site for the relocation of the Memorial would have required the removal of some trees in order for the Memorial to be visible. As this was not desirable, plans were amended so that the Memorial could be relocated without the necessity of having to remove any existing trees.

 

Agreement to move the Memorial has involved consultation between Waitaki District Council, Transit New Zealand, the Returned Serviceman’s Association and the Historic Places Trust. All parties have worked in partnership to ensure that the integrity and character of the memorial remains, and that it retains its prominent location centrally within Thames St.

 

The relocation of the Boer War Memorial is the first stage towards developing the safer layout of State Highway 1. The project as a whole is planned to be completed by the end of the year.

 

Transit New Zealand plans to introduce a co-ordinated traffic signal system to improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians in Thames St, particularly at the busier intersections of Severn St, Eden St, Ribble St, Usk St and Ouse St. The crash rate in this area has been approximately five times greater than expected of a similar section of urban state highway.

 

Waitaki District Council Mayor Alex Familton says Council is delighted that the project is now a step closer. “This is a great example of partnership between Transit, Waitaki District Council and the community, and we look forward to working together with Transit as we progress the project.”