Delays likely at key intersection

Hamilton commuters can expect months of delays as one of the city's busiest intersections gets a major makeover.

Work on Te Aroha St/Peachgrove Rd/Ruakura Rd corner started last week with the relocation of underground services. Most days, more than 40,000 vehicles use the junction.

Improvements planned include making the intersection larger, creating a right turning lane from Peachgrove Rd into Ruakura Rd, additional free left turns, improved pedestrian islands and signalled crossing points and incorporating cycle lanes.

Improvements will allow for increased traffic flows into the future with a strong emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist needs.

While the most disruptive work is planned for outside peak traffic times, some delays will be unavoidable, the Hamilton City Council warns.

Motorists are advised to avoid the intersection where possible.

With the Wairere Dr/Ruakura Rd intersection opening later this month, as part of the Hamilton Ring Road project, many road users will have an alternate route.

City development acting unit manager Martin Mould says motorists and other road users should expect delays from time to time.

"Our contractor Downer will be working to minimise the disruptions, and we apologise in advance for these, and thank people for their patience and co-operation as work is done."