31 March 2013

Consultation underway on proposed Cambridge Avenue and Mulgrave Street roundabout

Ashhurst residents are being asked for their opinion on a proposal to build a roundabout at the intersection of Cambridge Avenue and Mulgrave Street and to reduce access to it from ancillary roads.

The proposal is part of the upgrade of the Saddle Road that was announced last year. Recently funding to upgrade the Ashhurst Village section of the route was approved by NZTA.

Palmerston North City Council is now keen to hear what you think of the proposal before the plans are finalised and the project goes out for tender.

Road planning team leader, David Lane says “Council is aware of the public concern about safety at the intersection and that some travellers were confused about which direction to travel while the Gorge was closed.

“In developing the proposal Council has tried to weigh up the needs of Village residents as well as those who live on and regularly use Saddle Road and those who live further afield in Pohangina Valley and Bunnythorpe. We have also taken into account the importance of the Ashhurst / Bunnythorpe Road as a route used by heavy vehicles travelling to the Gorge.”

The proposal includes moving the entrance of Pembroke Street back away from the intersection and closing off Winchester Street from the intersection entrance thereby redirecting traffic through Petes Way, next to St Mary Magdalene Church, to Cambridge Avenue.

“The idea here is to improve safety for residents of Pembroke and Winchester, while at the same time minimising potential confusion for those travelling through the Village when the Gorge closes again,” says David.

A large drawing of the proposed changes will be on display in the Ashhurst Community Library from8 April through to 14 April along with advice on how to make a submission on the proposal.

David says if anyone wants to discuss the plans with a Council officer then pop along to the library on Tuesday, 8 April between 12 noon and 1:30pm or on Monday, 14 April between 5pm and 6pm.

For those unable to make it to the library there will be a public meeting in the Village Valley Centre on Wednesday, 9 April at 7pm.

Otherwise head on line to pncc.govt.nz keyword search: Consultation. Submissions close on 17 April.

David says information gathered during the consultation will be considered before the final design process is completed.

Work on other sections of the Saddle Road upgrade will begin shortly and is being managed by Tararua District Council, however David says the Ashhurst Village section will not start until later this year.

“We want to hear from residents about their thoughts and concerns, which will be considered and incorporated into the final design if appropriate prior to tendering. In the middle of the year we’ll publish the final design here in Village Voice before work commences.

During consultation Council will also ask residents for their views on whether Hillary Crescent should be closed at Cambridge Avenue. This option will be considered if there is support from the community as it will address known safety problems along the current route and will better channel traffic flows, including trucks, through the major roads network.

ENDS

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