Plans to install traffic lights at one of Tauranga's busiest intersections have been given a temporary red light as authorities explore other options.

The New Zealand Transport Agency announced today that the $2.8million traffic re-jig proposal for the Elizabeth Street–Takitimu Drive–State Highway 2 intersection roundabout would be revisited in terms of the options for a short-term solution.

The Elizabeth Street–Takitimu Drive–State Highway 2 intersection roundabout. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

NZTA's Bay of Plenty highways manager, Niclas Johansson, says they have been investigating ways to improve the overall efficiency of the corridor during peak times.

The initial option for this intersection was to replace the current roundabout with traffic lights.

But during an audit, carried out as part of the design process, it became apparent that while installing traffic lights would improve traffic flows during peak hours, it may compromise the performance of the intersection at other times.

There were also concerns around some safety aspects of replacing the roundabout with lights, says Niclas.

'The safety of everyone who uses the road is always front of mind in all of the work that we do,” says Niclas, 'and based on the results of the audit we have decided to revisit the options for a short-term solution.

'We will keep the public fully informed and will seek feedback on any proposed changes to the intersection layout.”

The information comes after NZTA previously told SunLive it was envisaged the construction would improve peak hour traffic congestion. It was originally set down to begin this month, taking two-to-three months in total.

At the time, NZTA said that the current intersection gets quite congested during peak times, with motorists experiencing long delays on the southbound leg in the mornings and on Elizabeth Street in the evenings.