HUTT CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE

8 MARCH 2018

Council’s proposal for Waddington Drive

Hutt City Council has developed a proposal to address the speed issue in Waddington Drive, Naenae.

Council is taking a plan to local residents after several accidents drove a local family to install concrete blocks in front of their section. The blocks were later dubbed the Great Wall of Naenae.

Three recent crashes involved drivers losing control of their vehicles while travelling at high speed in this residential street with a 50 km/h speed limit.

A key aim of the proposed Local Area Traffic Management scheme is to protect residents, including students of Naenae Primary School, from the risk of speeding vehicles.

Council Transport Divisional Manager John Gloag says Council’s best option in this situation is to make design changes to the street to keep traffic speeds to a safe level.

“Barriers are not an appropriate long-term solution in this situation and we believe we have come up with a good combination of interventions to keep residents, primary students and drivers safe.”

The proposed plan includes installing 10 sets of speed cushions along Waddington Drive to slow traffic. Speed cushions are similar to speed humps but have gaps to allow buses to pass without excessive braking.

A raised zebra crossing outside Naenae Primary School would also be installed with full-width speed humps either side of the crossing to slow approaching traffic, including buses. New painted edge-line markings would narrow the carriageway, a measure proven to reduce traffic speeds.

New curve warning and speed advisory signs would be installed near the Cole Street and Waddington Drive intersection and upgraded LED street lighting would better define the street at night.

Some people had suggested installing bollards or a crash barrier on the Cole Street and Waddington Drive intersection where the recent crashes occurred. Both options are not being considered further as the nature of the corner and the vehicle operating speeds mean that these measures are likely to be ineffective or result in serious injury to motorists. A crash barrier would also block a private driveway and pedestrian access across Cole Street.

John Gloag says the proposed scheme will be effective in reducing driving speeds on Waddington Drive, eliminating the need for barriers or bollards.

Council has taken its proposal to Waddington Drive residents who have until 23 March to provide their views and suggestions. A drop-in information session will be held at Naenae Primary School’s staff room on 15 March, between 4.30 and 6pm.

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