Plans for Dominion Rd upgrade take shape

A simplified scheme for the upgrade of Dominion Rd was endorsed for consultation today by Auckland City Council’s Transport Committee.

The council will consult on the design options for the Balmoral and Eden Valley village centres component of the upgrade, with relevant community boards, residents and businesses.

Transport Committee chairperson, Councillor Ken Baguley says the new proposal sees buses in the vicinity of Balmoral and Eden Valley shops remain on Dominion Rd instead of an earlier plan to have them deviate along yet-to-be-created roads through adjacent shopping centres.

“After careful consideration and review, it is felt that the impact from creating new roads through these shopping villages would be too great. These areas will be better served by enhancing service lanes, off-street parking and opportunities for integrated commercial development,” says Ken Baguley.

“The Dominion Road upgrade, along its full 4.5km stretch remains a regional priority. The improvements will enhance accessibility for all types of transport along its length, and help revitalise the Eden Valley and Balmoral shops.”

It is proposed that Dominion Rd will be widened to provide for separate bus and cycle lanes, with council well underway with a land purchase programme to facilitate the widening.

Construction of the Dominion Rd upgrade between View Road and Denbigh Ave is scheduled to begin in January 2012.

Village centre improvements are scheduled to begin in 2014 (Valley Rd) and 2015 (Balmoral), following consultation with community boards, businesses and the wider community

Today’s Transport Committee endorsed uplifting designations on land in the Balmoral village centre and on the building at 292 Dominion Road (previously earmarked for transport purposes), and amended the project scope to include Dominion Rd from Denbigh Ave to State Highway 20.

ENDS

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