B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 61 create these effects, and can be mitigated by careful plant location and luminaire aiming (i.e. into the site) and by undertaking works in potentially sensitive locations during daylight hours. With the implementation of these actions the potential effects are expected to be minor. These matters have been incorporated into the proposed conditions 5.7 ROADING AND TRAFFIC EFFECTS Significant measures have been incorporated into the design of the project which substantially reduce the volume of traffic required to enter and exit Area 2 using Willows Road. They include: The establishment of the Wharekirauponga Access Tunnel between the WUG and the Waihi SFA to reduce the need for trucks to transport material between Area 2 and Waihi; and A proposal to bus shift workers to Area 2 from Waihi rather than have those workers travel to and from Area 2 each day in private transport. However, some light and heavy vehicle movements will still be required for site establishment works, maintenance activities, general mining activities and for staff which work within Area 2. An assessment of the actual and potential effects of those vehicle movements is provided in Stantec (2022), a copy of which is provided in Part H of these application documents. 5.7.1 Willows Road / State Highway 25 Intersection Modelling undertaken by Stantec (2022) indicates that there will be no capacity issues arising with regard to the use of this intersection as a result of this project. A high level of operational service is expected to be maintained with regard to this intersection as a result. This intersection does however have limited shoulder widening for right or left turning traffic. Improvements in this regard could include the provision of a right turn bay on SH25 and/or widening the left turn into Willows Road shoulder to 3 m. These measures are being worked through and agreed with the Waka Kotahi and the proposed conditions require this intersection to be upgraded early in the project. 5.7.2 Willows Road The current formed two way section of Willows Road varies in width from around 5.5 m to 7.2 m (with the exception of short, isolated areas). For rural roads, HDC engineering standard require a sealed width of 6m for roads carrying up to 300 veh/day, with a minimum width of 5 m subject to approval. At peak the expected traffic volume associated
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