Crash corner subject of council debate | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

AN intersection that was the scene of a woman's death 2? months ago was the subject of extensive discussion at a Carterton District Council meeting this week. Council members have also decided to hold an on-site meeting before the next meeting in January.

The corner of Hughes Line and East Taratahi Road has been the scene of several accidents in past years. Cynthia Wilson, 57, of Carterton, died at the scene when her car and another collided on September 20.

Included in a coroner's report tabled at the council meeting was the suggestion that some kind of changes should be made to the intersection of the two roads.

The council had commissioned its consulting roading engineer, Warwick Potts, to do an audit on the intersection and his findings were reported to the members.

Among the suggestions from the coroner was for the fence lines to be moved back or the limit lines moved forward. Mr Potts said the road was so narrow it is not practical to move the lines.

Fence realignment is possible and he cites OSH visibility standards to where the fences would need to be moved.

Depending on the cost of land purchase, which would be necessary, this could cost around $8000.

The creation of a traffic island and additional signage was also considered. This would need extra pavement and fence realignment and would cost around $11,000.

By far the most expensive option was for the entire raising of the road, estimated at between $80,000 and $100,000.

Mr Potts suggested the council could do the realignments in stages, perhaps relocating the fences later, but this would still not help immediate visibility.

Council members agree it is necessary for a first-hand look at the corner again before any decision is made.

They will meet at the intersection on January 25.