Controversial Wānaka traffic lights set to switch on

A pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights on one of Wānaka's key entry roads is being readied for operation, but its close proximity to a busy roundabout is prompting some to ask questions.

The crossing will allow pedestrians to get from one side of State Highway 84 to the other, uphill of the roundabout at the intersection of Ardmore and Brownstone Streets. 

But Wānaka-Upper Clutha Councillor and Community Board member Barry Bruce is worried the crossing and lights will "log jam" the roundabout.

The lights are expected to be switched on in less than two weeks, on Monday, August 19, after testing by crews this coming Monday.

In a statement this week, Queenstown Lakes District Council property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery says the crossing is part of the fourth stage of the Schools to Pool active travel pathway that will allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely between primary schools, Mount Aspiring College and the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

“These new traffic lights will provide children with a designated place to safely cross this busy state highway, but we acknowledge they may create minor delays for vehicles at peak times around town,” Mr Avery says in the statement.

“I’d encourage all drivers to take a bit of extra care once these new pedestrian crossing lights are activated, especially at times when children are heading to and from school and while we all get used to this change near Wānaka’s town centre.”

The council says it consulted with New Zealand Transport Agency engineers and members of the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board on the new crossing and its location.

However Councillor Bruce is challenging this.

He says other than some "very loose comment" in a workshop local elected members were not given any opportunity to "sign off" on the lights nor their location.

"The fact that the lights are placed between a busy roundabout and a busy side road heading down to Three Parks - the potential for traffic snarl ups is huge."

The appearance of the traffic lights in recent months in preparation for operation has created a flurry of social media commentary by Wānaka residents.

Councillor Bruce says he has also fielded calls from many concerned locals, who feel like the lights and crossing have "just appeared" without consultation.

"It was interesting, because I had somebody ask me about it, and I said, 'Well, as I understand it, I don't think there is going to be traffic lights installed, because there hadn't been any dialog', and blow me down when I went down the hill I saw traffic lights on the side of the road.

"It makes us, as elected members, look like we're being overridden."

According to NZTA's design guidelines, there should be at least 30 metres between a signalised pedestrian crossing on a road approaching a roundabout and the roundabout "to reduce the likelihood of a driver mistakenly thinking the green signal gives them priority to enter a roundabout".

NZTA says signalised pedestrian crossings at roundabouts can also act as "a form of roundabout metering".

The new lights are not the first to be installed at new pedestrian crossings on the Schools to Pool route.

Last year similar crossings were constructed on Aubrey Road near Holy Family Catholic School and on Ballantyne Road near the golf club. 

In mid-September, the council has flagged a raised safety table will be constructed across Ardmore Street at its intersection with Ballantyne Road to continue work on the route.

In this week's statement from the council, Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer says work on the Schools to Pool route is otherwise largely complete.

“We’ve got a few final bits and pieces to complete, but I’m thrilled to see this much-wanted connection taking shape and I’m looking forward to seeing more young tamariki moving around town freely, and safely too," he says in the statement.

“This pathway is also a key link between the town centre and Three Parks for those that choose to walk or bike, and helps to future proof the town’s transport network as population and the movement of people continue to grow.”

Crux has approached Mr Telfer for additional comment.

Main image (Canva collage - not real image)