October 9, 2006

Intersection upgrades for Browns Bay

Major intersections between Albany and Browns Bay are set for upgrades to improve traffic flow, give buses priority and make roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

"We have further developed plans for four intersections based on public consultation done in late 2004," North Shore City's project development manager Ken Lee-Jones says.

"The plans include adding an eastbound bus advance lane to Oteha Valley Rd at the intersection of Carlisle Rd and East Coast Rd, and a westbound bus priority lane to Anzac Rd at the intersection of Beach Rd.

"We are also asking for more feedback on plans to install traffic lights at the Beach Rd/Bute Rd intersection and the Carlisle Rd/Beach Rd intersection. The latter would require banning right turns from Beach Rd to Carlisle Rd."

Mr Lee-Jones says the proposed changes will make these roads safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

"The Beach Rd/Bute Rd intersection is surrounded by a retirement village, bowling club, sports fields and shops, and pedestrians have trouble crossing the road safely," he says.

"Adding traffic lights to this intersection would make it much safer for pedestrians, as well as improving traffic flow and allowing buses to have priority."

"We are planning to ban the right turn at the Carlisle Rd/Beach Rd intersection, as there is not enough room for a right turn lane, and very few vehicles each day make the difficult right turn from Beach Rd into Carlisle Rd."

Bus advance lanes are part of a city-wide push to improve public transport, in the lead-up to the opening of the Northern Busway, scheduled for January 2008.

The council wants to get buses moving quickly around the city, to make public transport more efficient, and encourage more people to leave their cars at home and catch a bus.

Residents who wish to give the council feedback on the proposals can call Actionline on 486 8600 for a brochure, or go to www.northshorecity.govt.nz .

ENDS

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