North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Intersection changes opposed
Plans to make a busy intersection, in central Takapuna, more pedestrian-friendly are opposed by some residents.
The removal of free left turns from The Strand into Lake Rd and from Lake Rd into Hurstmere Rd, was among concerns raised by Takapuna’s Tony and Rachel Lewis with Auckland Transport (AT).
‘‘These changes will result in traffic delays, particularly in The Strand, and queues at times back to the playground,’’ they wrote in a letter to AT.
‘‘The Strand free turn is used by many locals who come from the Milford area towards Devonport, and everyone we have spoken to are concerned and angry that the free left turn will be removed,’’ Rachel Lewis explained.
AT’s network management and safety group manager Randhir Karma said the proposed changes, which include the removal of slip lanes and pedestrian islands at the Lake Rd, The Strand, Hurstmere Rd and Northcroft St intersection, are going ahead to the detailed design stage, and will make it safer and simpler to cross the road.
‘‘Minor delays to general traffic is expected, but this is considered acceptable within the context of the intersection being within the Takapuna Metropolitan Centre,’’ Karma said.
‘‘One of the issues with the existing layout is that some vehicles fail to give way to pedestrians at the zebra crossing. The removal of the slip lane would mean the pedestrian and vehicles phase will be timeseparated, so pedestrians are fully protected from vehicle movements.
‘‘Not only will the layout of the pedestrian crossing be simplified, the vehicle movement can now also be better managed through traffic signals.’’
Rachel Lewis said she often crosses at the next crossing, near Blomfield Spa, and cars frequently do not stop. ‘‘Are AT planning to remove other pedestrian crossings where their surveys may show cars do not give way?’’
The removal of the slip lane also allows for bus priority to be introduced, which would lead to improved journey times and service reliability, Karma said.
Karma said the plans for the intersection of Lake Rd and The Strand align with Auckland Council’s Hurstmere Rd upgrade, which aims to create a welcoming space for pedestrians.