The Whakatāne District Council will undertake a study of traffic flows through the Landing Road bridge roundabout over the coming weeks. Initially, the study will focus on surveying vehicle numbers and observing turning movements at the roundabout in order to gain baseline traffic data. Following this, trials will be run to assess if there are any improvements that could be considered to better manage future traffic flows.

Martin Taylor, Whakatāne District Council Transportation Manager, says that while Whakatāne does not face congestion on a par with the larger centres, it does experience delays at peak traffic times over the Landing Road bridge, particularly for people driving into town in the morning.

“There are two components to the study,” Mr Taylor says. “Firstly, we will be managing the traffic approaching the roundabout under a ‘stop/go’ system to replicate a traffic light scenario, and secondly we will be closing off the ability for traffic to turn right from Hinemoa Street onto Landing Road, diverting them instead down Victoria Street. This scenario will evaluate potential traffic flow improvements for vehicles coming into town over the bridge, if a second lane was provided onto the roundabout, allowing traffic to proceed without being delayed by the need to give way to other users.”

Mr Taylor says the work is being undertaken to improve Council’s data on traffic flows through the area during peak traffic times, but there are currently no plans for undertaking any upgrading works on the roundabout until its surface condition deteriorates to the point where heavy maintenance is required.