Concerns over the potential growth in traffic entering SH6 from Cromwell’s industrial area has prompted government transport agency Waka Kotahi to oppose the rezoning of 52ha for subdivision.

The block is being rezoned for industrial development after being added to the Central Otago District Council’s existing new industrial areas, in response to demand.

Changes for the block, located between Cemetery and Bannockburn roads, along with another smaller area currently planted in cherry trees and fronting onto SH6, will be the subject of a hearing.

The larger block is currently home to a motorcycle club, Central Wormworx and Otago Metal’s Cromwell depot.

The latter two have been told their leases will not be renewed after 2023 and 2024 respectively.

The Department of Conservation, which looks after the neighbouring Cromwell Chafer Beetle Nature Reserve and planner Werner Murray, who is a Cromwell Community Board member, also opposed the rezoning.

Two neutral and four supporting submissions were also received.

Those in support said the development was needed to accommodate Cromwell’s growth as the town cements its position as a service hub for the surrounding area.

Waka Kotahi felt the effects of increased traffic on the state highway had not been addressed by council.

No funding had been set aside by the agency for any possible upgrading.

“It appears to Waka Kotahi that the users of SH6 are expected to tolerate adverse effects on the state highway, from the plan change until intersection improvements can be funded and completed.”

The agency said there appeared to have been an assumption that upgrades would happen in due course, but that was not the case.

“These intersections are not on any programme for upgrading and are not included in the National Land Transport Plan for funding in the 2021-2024 period or beyond.”

Submissions on Plan Change 18 closed in December last year and no date has been set for the hearing.

The council is currently selling sections from an already-established industrial subdivision nearby and demand has been strong from Cromwell businesses relocating as well as newcomers.

McNulty Road bustles with industrial and other traffic and is getting busier. At top left is the T-junction with

SH6 and bottom right is the 52ha block being rezoned for industrial subdivision. PHOTO: Supplied

Meanwhile this week, Waka Kotahi principal safety engineer Roy Johnston told The Central App the agency was aware of high existing traffic levels at the McNulty Road and SH6 T-junction.

He said it had been “looked at” in terms of how it is serving traffic at present and there were ways safety could be improved to accommodate existing use.

This was not related to Plan Change 18.

“To make it safer we would consider a roundabout, intersection speed zone - where traffic approaching the highway from the side road triggers a flashing speed sign on the main highway, to encourage drivers to slow down - or general speed management.”  

Waka Kotahi funding, to address the immediate needs of the junction was not available at present.