Fenton/Devon streets roundabout construction to commence

Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Fenton and Devon streets is getting underway this week.

The roundabout is being installed for road safety reasons and to address the high crash rate along Fenton Street. Its cost is being shared between the council and NZ Transport Agency.

Rotorua District Council works manager Peter Dine says the roundabout is part of the council’s overall programme to address safety on roads, which also includes education campaigns and enforcement by Rotorua Police.

“The general issue of safety remains the key priority of residents in all our community surveys and this project is another contribution we can make to improving people’s safety on our roads.

“Roundabouts are a proven mechanism for improving the ongoing problem of speed in streets, and reducing the number of crashes at intersections.

“Fenton Street as a whole is a section of our roading network with a high crash rate,” says Mr Dine.

The overall plan for Fenton Street will also see roundabouts installed in subsequent years at intersections with Marguerita and Robertson streets, along with closing of u-turn gaps in the medium strip and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Mr Dine says the Fenton/Devon streets roundabout construction project is reasonably straight forward so motorists should expect only minor delays.

Completion of the roundabout should take approximately a month, subject to weather conditions.