October 5, 2005

Approval for Akoranga Dr upgrade

North Shore City Council has given the go-ahead for transport improvements to Akoranga Dr in Northcote.

The upgrade includes HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, an off-road shared cycle-pedestrian facility, flush medians and intersection upgrades at both College Rd and The Warehouse Way. The addition of HOV lanes will give Akoranga Dr four lanes of traffic, two in each direction.

The council asked residents for their feedback on parking, flush medians and the shared cycle-pedestrian facility.

Results from the consultation include:

* 77 per cent of respondents supported the off-road shared cycle pedestrian facility.

* 45 per cent of respondents supported the use of raised medians along the route where the road is too narrow to use flush medians.

* 50 per cent of respondents indicated parking should be allowed outside the hours of operation of the HOV lane.

A total of 194 questionnaires from individuals were returned to the Council who also sought feedback from key stakeholders including AUT, the Northbridge retirement home, Northcote YMCA, local schools, community and sports groups and the Fox Outlet Centre.

The upgrade is planned to coincide with the completion of the new Esmonde Rd interchange in 2006. Construction work will begin early next year.

Parking will be allowed in the HOV lanes outside their hours of operation, and the central medians will be flush rather than raised.

The HOV lanes give priority to cars with three or more passengers, motorcyclists and buses, and will only operate during the morning and afternoon peak travel times. The HOV lanes are part of a wider strategy to improve public transport throughout North Shore City.

ENDS

© Scoop Media