Bus priority option selected for Anzac St
October 19, 2006

North Shore City Council is going forward with plans to widen Anzac St to allow for an additional bus and cycle lane linking the Takapuna and Akoranga bus stations.

As part of the plans Anzac St would be widened to five lanes, with two lanes for general traffic in each direction, a westbound bus and cycle lane, and a central raised median. To cater for cyclists heading east, a cycle lane is proposed for Killarney St.

This project includes:

* A new westbound bus and cycle lane along Anzac St between Auburn St and Fred Thomas Dr.
* Some road widening and associated land acquisitions.
* A new raised median in the centre of Anzac St preventing unsafe right turns.
* An eastbound cycle lane on Killarney St between Taharoto Rd and central Takapuna.
* New dedicated right turn lanes from Anzac St into Barrys Point Rd and Pupuke Rd.
* Restricting exit from Killarney St, at the Taharoto Rd intersection, to left turn only.
* Landscaping and planting along the route.

Services such as power and telephone will be undergrounded as part of the project.

Killarney St has been identified as the preferred location for an eastbound cycle lane because this can be advanced without additional land purchase or seriously affecting properties. Traffic volumes on Killarney St are also lower, making it safer for cyclists.

North Shore City Council's transport development manager, Kit O'Halloran, says the new bus and cycle lane is important for bus services travelling between the bus stations.

"Buses need to move quickly and efficiently both within the city as well as along the Northern Busway for bus travel to meet the needs of commuters."

Transit lanes are planned for other parts of the city in the lead up to the opening of the Northern Busway in 2008.

Residents who wish to give feedback can go online at www.northshorecity.govt.nz , or call Actionline and ask for a brochure to be sent out. Brochures are also available at the Takapuna area office and library.

In addition to the Anzac St bus priority measures project, North Shore City Council is working on plans to upgrade the Takapuna bus station next year.

An option for traffic signals at the Lake Rd/Anzac St intersection had been considered but will not proceed at this stage.

ENDS

© Scoop Media