As at June 30, 2005, Council maintains 744.2 km of road, 640.6 of which is sealed. The roading budget for the financial year 2005, 2006 is $13,878,000.
Works Include
- road maintenance
- footpath construction
- street cleaning
- resurfacing
- signs and markings
- bridge maintenance
- lighting
- cycle facilities
- road widening
- road safety
- bus service
- kerb and channel
- design of the East Taupo Arterial
- planning for Mapara to Acacia Bay
- planning for the second bridge crossing
- planning for Wakeman Road extension
- sealing of unsealed roads
- road improvements
New Road Markings
Taupo district drivers may notice some new road markings at intersections.
Land Transport Rule
The Traffic Control Devices Rule which came into effect on February 27, 2005 requires Councils to make signs and markings consistent throughout New Zealand, so that road users know what to do in areas which aren’t familiar to them.
One change which is being introduced in Taupo District Council is the new triangular Give Way road marking shown in the picture above. From now on, this will be used by councils in the place of the words Give Way painted on the road coming up to an intersection.
There will also be a gradual replacement of the double limit line which indicates where motorists should stop to ensure good visibility at intersections and level crossings, to a single limit line.
Why
The reason for the change to the new markings is to cut down the amount of paint used on the road, reducing risk to cyclists and motor cyclists, from loss of traction, as well as maintenance costs.
When
To minimise cost to rate payers, each Council will be introducing these new road markings gradually over the next few years as part of ongoing road maintenance programmes.
This means it may be some time before these markings are consistent nationwide.
Current News and Issues
The media release March, 2005 can be seen HERE. New road markings are being installed progressively on controlled intersections around the district over the next few years.