Bayfair Roundabout is getting a major upgrade, with new lanes and traffic lights signalling a smoother flow of traffic through the area. This transformation promises to bring safer and more convenient travel to both locals and visitors. Let’s take a closer look at this development and what it means for the community.
Jo Wilton, the Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, is leading the charge in this project. She’s eager to see the new signalized roundabout become a beacon of safety and connectivity for the region. In her words, “We want to make urban walking and cycling a safer, more reliable transport option so that more locals and visitors can choose to get about by bike.”
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Enhancing Bayfair Roundabout: Safer Travel and Improved Connectivity
Adding traffic signals to Bayfair roundabout may seem unusual, but it promises to simplify navigation and enhance safety. For drivers, it will be a bit like approaching a regular traffic light intersection. The key is to choose your lane well in advance and follow the rhythm of the red-to-green lights.
To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, drivers need to plan ahead and avoid last-minute lane changes. The signals and new lanes bring significant change for all road users. It’s vital to be patient and considerate, especially with growing pedestrian and cyclist traffic. The temporary closure of the pedestrian underpass will be a minor inconvenience. Safety escorts will be on hand to help pedestrians and cyclists safely navigate the new routes. It might take some time for everyone to adapt to the new lanes and signals, but once they do, traversing the signalized roundabout will be a piece of cake. However, safety should remain a top priority during this transition phase.
Here are the key changes you can expect at the Bayfair roundabout:
- Traffic signals on all approaches and a return to two lanes.
- Signalized pedestrian crossings on Maunganui Road, Girven Road, Matapihi Road, and Owens Place, connecting Matapihi and Arataki.
- A dedicated walking and cycling route through the roundabout, with options for cyclists to use off-road or on-road facilities.
- The closure of the pedestrian underpass until late 2023 for finishing works.
- A temporary speed limit of 50km/h in the area.
- Additional lanes on Girven Road and Maunganui Road approach.
- Overnight road and lane closures leading up to the traffic switch.
Although traffic may move a bit slower during the transition, it’s all in the name of safety and better traffic management. While travel times may slightly increase initially, the long-term benefits are worth it.
The signalized Bayfair roundabout is set to activate in the early morning of Thursday, November 2nd, and the pedestrian underpass will close from Monday, November 6th. During this period, there will be lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night from October 29th to November 3rd, so plan your travels accordingly and follow detour signs.
This transformation may take some getting used to, but it’s a giant leap forward in ensuring the safety and convenience of everyone travelling through the Bay of Plenty. Remember to be patient, stay alert, and enjoy the smooth ride through the Bayfair roundabout.
