Intersection: Cnr Gordonton and Thomas Roads

Jamie Neighbourly Lead from Chartwell

Hi everyone,

Here is an update from Hamilton City Council (City Infrastructure team) on the intersection of Gordonton and Thomas Roads. Thank you to local Councillors James Casson, Mark Bunting and Dave MacPherson, and Council staff who have been progressing this.

1. Monitoring of the variable speed limit (60km/h when vehicles are turning within the intersection) is continuing.

2. Concept design work for the intersections upgrade is progressing well.

3. A large roundabout is potentially the best strategic solution and deliver the best long-term safety improvement however this would require land purchase on the eastern side of Gordonton Road in Waikato District. A designation process is likely to be required to support any land acquisition and this could potentially delay the project by about 1-2 years.

4. Staff have also considered intersection options that fit within the existing road boundaries to avoid any land acquisition process. Two options are available;
1) A smaller roundabout,
2) A smaller signalised intersection.
Both options would have a medium to long-term life of about 20 years depending on the rate of city growth or the timing of major urban development to the east.

5. Staff are progressing both the smaller roundabout and the signals option noting that these could be built in the 2018/19 summer construction season.

6. Signals are emerging as the best technical solution given the constrained site and Tee junction layout (3 approach roads). To minimise injury in the event of a crash, the posted speed along Gordonton Road will need to be permanently reduced to 60km/h as part of any roundabout or signals solution. This will likely require a speed threshold (gateway) located between Borman Road and Thomas Road to reinforce the change in speed.

7. Any proposed improvements at the Thomas Rd / Gordonton Road intersections will be subject to an independent safety audit prior to commencement of physical works. Subject to the results of the independent safety audit, staff will develop the signals option for construction noting that NZTA approvals are still required for a business case and/or subsidy.

8. Work is also underway to develop a corridor business case for Gordonton Road between the Wairere Drive / Gordonton Road roundabout and the city boundary (north of Borman Road).

If you would be interested in a public meeting around this topic, please email me on: jamie.strange@parliament.govt.nz and I can advise Hamilton City Council.