As the Richmond West development continues to grow, so does traffic congestion around the Berryfield intersection with Lower Queen Street, making it a difficult and sometimes dangerous road to turn into. The busy junction was scheduled to get a $2.8 million upgrade in the 2021-2022 financial year, but a land purchase delay has held things up for at least another 12 months.
The planned upgrade includes the addition of traffic lights and widening the road into two lanes, as well as measures to cater for pedestrians, cyclists and buses. However, the planned purchase of land from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), which is opposite the intersection, could not be completed in time for the work to be done in 2021-22.
The council had already agreed that the upgrade was going to be on the list of highest priorities to be dealt with in the region, so this setback has led to disappointment within the ranks.
“It means that the upgrade needs to be delayed by one or two years,” says Tasman District Council activity planning adviser Drew Bryant. “We actually brought the project forward, as we see it as being a key component to cater for lots of residential and commercial growth around that whole Richmond West area. So it’s disappointing that despite us trying to advance things, we can’t get it done as fast as we were hoping for.”
Deputy mayor and regional transport committee chairman Stuart Bryant says his fear is that if things are delayed for one year, it could easily turn into two or even three years.
“It was generally agreed that it was one of our highest priorities and should be done this year,” he says. “So clearly we are all frustrated with the delay. That being said, we are working towards finding a solution as quickly as possible.”
In the meantime, a range of temporary measures are currently being considered to help provide some traffic control at the intersection.
“We have looked at options and the most feasible temporary measure is an improved right turn merge lane on Lower Queen Street,” says council transportation manager Jamie McPherson. “This will be for traffic turning right out of Berryfield Drive to turn into before merging with Lower Queen Street traffic.” The merge lane could be in place “by the end of the month” says Jamie.
Even if the land deal happens sooner than anticipated, essential construction work has to happen during summer, which is why the delay may run on into years. “Construction on projects like this needs to occur during favourable climatic conditions, which is generally in summer,” says Jamie. “Construction will not be able to start this summer as the land purchase process will not be completed in time to go out to tender select a contractor. The next opportunity to begin construction will be summer (2022/23).” A new bridge over Borck Creek, opening later this year, will enable all users of Berryfield Drive to connect with McShane Road, providing an alternative entry and exit to the entire Richmond West development area.