Since thousands of vehicles traverse Queenstown, the transport ministry undertakes road improvement projects to promote economic development, tourism, and motorist safety. According to reports, this reconstruction will cost $250 million.
(Photo : Unsplash/Jamar Penny)
Road Rehabilitation in Queenstown
State Highway 6/6A (SH6/6A) in Queenstown is undergoing an improvement project that would cost $250 million. Transport Minister Simeon Brown initiated this project. This upgrade will reportedly result in increased economic growth, a reduction in traffic, and the creation of a transportation system that is both safer and more reliable.
Moreover, the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA), Queenstown Lakes District Council, Downer New Zealand, Fulton Hogan, WSP, and Beca are working together to facilitate the delivery of the improvements. Thus, to guarantee that this significant set of enhancements is carried out, the Coalition Government has consented to raise funds from the existing Crown allocations by 120 million dollars.
On the other hand, NZTA would ensure that traffic would not be disrupted over the anticipated four-year development period. Glyn Lewers, the Mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District, was quoted as saying he was fully aware of the aggravation locals felt regarding the ongoing roadworks in Queenstown. He also stated that he had been told that extensive preparation had been done to lessen the impact as closely as possible.
As mentioned, those using the road were asked to maintain their composure, gaze ahead, and keep their eyes on the prize. In the first 18 months of the project, Mark Townsley, the construction manager, indicated that it was anticipated that there would be very little disruption to traffic.
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Enhancing Tourism Through Road Upgrades
According to Simeon Brown, the SH6/6A Frankton crossroads quickly became extraordinarily congested and inefficient because more than 40,000 vehicles pass through it daily during peak hours.
He reportedly observed that the government had designated the Queenstown roading project as a top priority because it would unlock houses and support tourism. As stated, renovations to this pivotal intersection will guarantee that local commuters and visitors can reach their destinations promptly and securely. Simeon Brown also noted that this road upgrade is in light of the return of tourism to pre-COVID levels and the ongoing expansion in and around Queenstown.
Accordingly, it would give families and children who attend school in Queenstown more options for selecting their mode of transportation by implementing an expanded bus hub and providing additional space for ski bus operators during the winter months.
Furthermore, motorists can anticipate bus lanes, priority treatment at intersections, and an expanded Frankton bus center in the coming years. Tony Sizemore, the principal transport planner, has stated that the modifications will improve traffic flows for everyone, even though expanding capacity is not the primary goal of the expenditure.
In addition, Sizemore acknowledges that coping with Queenstown's expansion is a perpetual challenge that is impossible to achieve due to both the arrival of new residents and the growing number of tourists. On Monday morning, Apr. 8, contractors are scheduled to begin cutting down trees between the Frankton golf course and State Highway 6A, just across from the Frankton bus hub.
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