Lake Road on track to re-open to through-traffic Friday night

Following demolition of the Lake Road railway overbridge and its removal over the last few weeks, Lake Road will re-open to through-traffic overnight tomorrow [Friday 20 April].

The road surface is being re-sealed this week following completion of new pavement, channeling and curbing along the new section of Lake Road.

Rotorua District Council works manager Peter Dine said the project has run on time and on budget and the recent spell of fine weather meant the whole programme remained on track.

The four-laning project is being substantially funded by NZ Transport Agency and would significantly improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion when completed early next year.

Mr Dine said businesses and residents in the area would be pleased to see through-traffic resuming from the weekend and he was appreciative of the cooperation the council and its contractors had received from them over recent weeks.

“While the overall project to complete four-laning and upgrading of Lake Road still has 12 months or so to go, the council will be ensuring access continues to be provided to businesses in the area while work is carried out.”

Mr Dine said in the meantime to avoid delays while Lake Road works were underway motorists were advised to consider alternative routes unless they need to visit Lake Road business premises or private residences.

A brief karakia ceremony is being held on Friday morning [20 April] at 10am on the site of the old railway station to acknowledge the joining up of the two sections of Lake Road, ahead of the road being re-opened to through-traffic later on Friday night.