Improvements on the way for Hawthorne Drive

Mar 17, 2023

From the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC):

The Hawthorne Drive safety improvement project will create a safer environment for all users, whether you're driving, walking or cycling.

Key features include:

Traffic lights will be installed to better manage two Hawthorne Drive intersections; one set at Red Oaks Drive and the second set at Cherry Blossom Drive.
The intersection improvements will include raised platforms to reduce speeds and create a more pedestrian friendly environment.
Two new raised pedestrian crossings; one crossing Red Oaks Drive from Whakatipu High School and the other crossing Hawthorne Drive near New World supermarket.

The improvements will reduce the risk of an accident and vastly improve safety for all road users.

Budget for the Hawthorne Drive intersection project is estimated at $1.2m which will receive a subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. It is also aligned with their Road to Zero Framework which seeks to see a significant reduction in death or serious injury caused by motor vehicles.

What to expect

Work is expected to start on Tuesday 28 March and take approximately 3 months, weather dependent.

As with any infrastructure project, there will be disruption while the work is underway.

Here's what to expect:

reduced speed limits
narrow traffic lanes
potential delays to bus services
there may be lane closures required at times. this will be communicated well in advance.

Allow some extra time if you're traveling in this area while construction is underway.