Upgrade delays for six weeks

Motorists can expect up to six weeks of delays when the New Zealand Transport Agency upgrades the Chapel and Renall St intersection in Masterton, starting this month.

Regional operations manager Mark Owen said the intersection would be upgraded to make it safer for road users by slowing down approaching traffic from Renall St.

The upgrade will include include improving the existing pedestrian crossing points, realigning the traffic islands to slow traffic entering the intersection and adding new road markings to help guide traffic through the intersection.

There will also be new raised pavement tiles installed to make it easier for visually-impaired people to use the crossing safely.

Chapel St resident Byron Knight said he was surprised there was a need for the improvements.

"There's no problems as far as we're concerned," he said. "I really don't see that there's a need."

Mr Owen said there would be temporary speed limits and traffic management in place while the improvements were undertaken.

"For the safety of drivers and our road crew, and to prevent damage to vehicles, we ask that drivers please stick to the temporary speed limit," he said.

"This work is likely to cause minor delays so please leave an extra few minutes for your journeys. We thank the public for their patience and understanding."

Mr Owen said the community and the Masterton District Council had been involved in discussions that had helped shaped the proposals, and the work was expected to cost about $131,000.

He said they had explored other options before the plan was finalised.

Work is expected to begin in late February.