2 May 2016

A makeover for a notable Auckland street

Auckland Transport has released preliminary designs for the upgrade of Franklin Road in Freeman’s Bay.

AT’s Group Manager Roading, Andrew Scoggins says Franklin Road is in poor condition and there are safety hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. “Over the years tree roots have damaged footpaths, the drainage system and the road surface.

“There is also a high demand for parking, but the road has poorly defined parking spaces meaning drivers are parking too close to the trees and they’re driving over exposed roots.”

Mr Scoggins says utility providers are also worried about the state of their infrastructure and they’re planning service renewals and upgrades.

He says AT is working with utility service providers and taking a ‘dig once’ approach. “Watercare, Vector, Chorus and Auckland Council Stormwater will all be undertaking works.”

“The work is important because Franklin Road is a major link between Ponsonby and the city with more than 14,000 vehicle trips each day.”

Auckland Transport is undertaking a final round of targeted engagement. “We want final feedback to ensure we haven’t missed anything that would make it even better.”

Auckland Transport started extensive consultation on Franklin Road more than a year ago. It set up a Community Liaison Group including representatives of Franklin Road residents, Freemans Bay Residents Association, Waitemata Local Board and Bike Auckland.

Features and benefits
Providing improved pavement surface, footpaths and drainage.
Protecting tree root zones from vehicles by redefining the berm area.
Providing for the safe movement of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
Retaining as much street parking as possible.
Working with utility providers to minimise disruption and deliver an integrated programme of works.
Improving street lighting.
Expected timings
May 2016: Stage 1 (utility upgrade) physical works start.
July/August 2016: AT completes final detailed design for stage 2 (road upgrade) works.
September/October 2016: Contract awarded for stage 2 works.
October/November 2016: Stage 2 works start.
End November 2016 - early January 2017: No works planned over Christmas lights period.
Mid to late 2017: Works completed.
To provide feedback please go online and complete the feedback survey at www.at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/franklin-road/ by 4.00pm, Tuesday 10 May 2016. Once feedback has been considered, the design will be finalised for implementation.

Ends

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