Council proposes upgrade of major roading corridor
December 16, 2003

North Shore City Council is planning some major changes to how traffic is managed in one of its key roading corridors - the Wairau-Shakespeare-Taharoto area - and is asking residents views about what improvements they would like to see put in place.

The council has launched a consultation programme with a leaflet and questionnaire going out to local schools, residents and businesses.

The Wairau-Taharoto corridor is between Forrest Hill Road, Anzac Road and Milford, and is one of the busiest stretches of road in the city. There are a number of schools located in the area including Westlake Girls' High School, Takapuna Normal Intermediate, Rosmini College and Carmel College. North Shore Hospital is also nearby, Smales Farm Office Park is developing and at peak times the roads in the area are heavily congested.

North Shore City Council's works and environment committee chairperson Joel Cayford, says initial studies show that the roading corridor must be extended and improved if it is to operate safely and efficiently in the future.

"New business development is going in at the Smales Farm Business Park, a Busway station is planned at Westlake, school rolls are increasing and there is continued expansion of health and medical facilities on the North Shore Hospital site. Major increases in traffic are expected along this corridor," he says. "Some works have high priority, and I am keen to learn what North Shore people want."

The council is considering a number of improvements over the next few years which could include all or some of the following measures:-

* Designated bus lanes to carry increased bus services
* Extending Shakespeare Rd across Wairau Rd to link to the planned Westlake Busway Station
* Improved intersection layouts
* Relocated bus stops
* Improved footpaths and separate cycleways
* Enhanced planting and landscaping

The council is asking people to fill out a freepost questionnaire form to feedback their views on priorities for upgrading the roads with forms due back by February 20, 2004. Anyone can also fill out the form on-line by visiting the council's website at www.northshorecity.govt.nz

An open day at Carmel College in Shakespeare Road on Saturday February 21 starting at 9.30am is also planned to give people more information on the proposals and updates on the feedback received.

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