Walkers, cyclists get right-of-way in upgrade plans

A proposal to transform central Takapuna by freeing up more space for pedestrians and cyclists is open for public consultation.

Auckland Transport (AT) is seeking feedback on a proposed streetscape upgrade of Hurstmere Rd that includes reducing the speed limit, re-routing traffic and halving the number of car parks along the section of Hurstmere Rd between Lake Rd and Anzac St.

This section of Hurstmere Rd would become one-way for northbound traffic with a 30kmh speed limit, with south-bound traffic redirected along Anzac St and Lake Rd.

A south-bound cycle lane will also be introduced, this lane will be separated from the general traffic lane. Additional bicycle parking along the street is also mooted.

AT’s David Nelson said: ‘‘The proposed design will not only improve the flow between the beach, Hurstmere Green and the surrounding shopping area, but also improve opportunities for people to walk, cycle, or use public transport to and from this popular area.’’

Takapuna Beach Business Association chief executive Terry Holt said the association’s board supports the ‘‘massive improvement’’ and will work with their members to minimise disruption during the construction period. ‘‘We are well aware there will be short-term pain for long-term benefit,’’ Holt said.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Jan O’Connor predicts some of the proposed changes will cause ‘‘chaos’’.

‘‘There will be positives, when the work is completed, but the loss of half the car parks is not one of them,’’ O’Connor said.

‘‘Nor is the addition of a cycleway, when there are no plans to build connecting cycle ways either north or south. To allow traffic one way will cause chaos on both Lake Rd and The Strand. The Strand road meandering alongside the beach was not

‘‘There will be positives, when the work is completed.’’ Local board member Jan O'Connor

designed for heavy traffic and compromises the safety of users at the children’s playground.’’

Local Board chairman Grant Gillon encourages locals to go online to at.govt.nz/projectsroadworks/hurstmere-roadstreetscape-upgrade/or visit the project team at BizDojo Takapuna, Partners Life House, 33-45 Hurstmere Rd on September 14 and 21 from 5.30pm till 7.30pm to ask questions.

Consultation closes on October 3.

What Hurstmere Rd in Takapuna could look like after an upgrade. Plans include improving street lighting and putting in place a new stormwater treatment system to remove pollutants from the water discharging to the beach.