Safety upgrade for central Greymouth intersection

Work will get underway next Monday 18 June 2012 on work to improve safety at the State Highway 6 (SH 6) High Street and Raleigh Street intersection in Greymouth.

The NZ Transport Agency says the job is starting a few weeks later than intended to accommodate some design changes and to allow Grey District Council to carry out some work they needed to do in the area.

NZ Transport Agency Area Manager Mark Pinner says widening work will take place along Raleigh Street and new road markings will be put in place on High Street. Turning bays are planned so it is easier for larger trucks to manoeuvre safely in and out of this intersection.

“Although this work is concentrated into a relatively short timeframe, we will be working hard to minimise any inconvenience to residents, businesses in the area. Because excavation work needing heavy machinery is required some disruptions are inevitable but they shouldn’t be major ones.”

Mr Pinner said the work will mean fewer on-street parks in the construction area although there should be enough parking available on side roads.

At the end of each working day at least temporary single lane access will be provided to properties in the area. Most of the work is expected to be carried out on weekdays between 7.00am and 7.00pm.

Meanwhile further up the coast the NZ Transport Agency work started tomorrow to improve safety at Lawsons Bridge on State Highway 6 between Punakaiki and Greymouth.

The work worth about $500,000 is being undertaken by Ferguson contracting and involves widening the bridges and improving the road approaches to it, is not expected to cause any major disruptions for motorists.