Quarantine Road roundabout upgrade complete

The $2.2 million upgrade of the State Highway 6 Quarantine Road roundabout in Nelson is complete, and temporary speed restrictions have been lifted.

NZ Transport Agency Network Performance Manager Mark Owen thanks motorists, local businesses and residents for their patience while the upgrade took place.

The new roundabout features:

• extra lanes added at the approaches from Nelson, Richmond and Quarantine Road
• a wide median island in Quarantine Road
• an extension to the pedestrian/cycling crossing point on Quarantine Road
• a relocated footpath on the corner around the Nelson Junction site, with a barrier added on this corner
• three Queen Palm trees and space for an artwork in the centre of the roundabout.

Mr Owen says the new road layout means drivers need to take care as they approach the roundabout, and make sure they’re in the correct lane in plenty of time.

“Choose your lane early, indicate, and leave yourself plenty of time to make the turn, particularly if you’re coming from Richmond and heading to Whakatu Drive, or from the city and turning into Quarantine Road.” 

The intersection upgrade has been a joint project between the NZ Transport Agency and the Nelson City Council. It will make the intersection safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and will future proof the intersection for the projected increases in traffic over the next 20 years.

“We were pleased work to with the Nelson City Council on this project. The roundabout’s location near the airport means that it is an important gateway for many visitors to Nelson city and the wider region,” Mr Owen says.