Near misses spark calls for action at intersection
Two close calls have sparked a cry for action at a busy Feilding intersection.
Betty Rasmussen fears driving on Kimbolton Rd following two close calls in less than two months involving ‘‘impatient’’ motorists pulling out in front of her to cross the two-lane road.
The volume of traffic will only get worse following the construction of an estimated 1700 homes in the Pharazyn St area, which was earmarked as a residential growth precinct in the Manawatu¯ town, nearby residents say.
Of the 10 homeowners closest to the three-way intersection of Kimbolton Rd, North St and Pharazyn St, seven believed the existing Y-shaped crossing wouldn’t cope and needed urgent attention.
Earlier this year, Rasmussen was startled by a car crossing Kimbolton Rd, from Seddon St to the adjacent North St, when it flew past only metres in front of her. Less than two months later it occurred again, almost identically.
‘‘It was only quick reaction that avoided an accident,’’ she said.
At 77 years old, Rasmussen doesn’t sit in her rocking chair. A self-proclaimed ‘‘road hog’’, she’s still driving independently.
Rasmussen said motorists often became frustrated if they had to wait prolonged periods to turn against oncoming traffic.
‘‘You’re taking your life in your hands. Older people don’t have quick reactions, so they drive at a really slow pace, which doesn’t help either.
‘‘I hate to say it, but it is an accident waiting to happen there.’’
Manawatu¯ District Council infrastructure general manager Hamish Waugh said the council was undertaking a traffic impact assessment looking at the existing burden on Kimbolton Rd. This would provide recommendations for any upgrades that may be required.
Kimbolton Rd - Feilding’s arterial route - also came under scrutiny in June when a group of senior citizens with mobility restrictions said they were crossing the road in fear as cars flew by without allowing them to cross. They campaigned to have official pedestrian crossings installed at the roundabout intersecting Aorangi St.
Public pressure forced the New Zealand Transport Agency to examine pedestrian safety in the area.
The agency’s regional transport systems manager Ross I’anson was aware of the increased traffic volume and residential growth in the area, but had no plans for any immediate remedial work.
Although, he said Kimbolton Rd would be included in the Accessing Central New Zealand programme for potential future upgrades. The plan focuses on moving increasing volumes of freight through the Manawatu¯ Whanganui region.
Waugh said 227 hectares of land on Pharazyn St was highlighted in the 2013 Feilding Framework Plan as the best area to meet the projected 30-year demand for residential growth.
The land will be rezoned from rural to residential before any construction commences.
The council was preparing a Structure Plan that would look at the proposed roading network, bridges and connection points or intersections. Any intersection improvements after construction would be funded by developers and new homeowners, Waugh said.