AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

26 October 2006

Beach Road set to shine on safety

Auckland City is getting on with improving street lighting and pedestrian access on Beach Road with construction beginning on Monday, 30 October 2006.

The lighting upgrade is vital in providing a safer, well-connected pedestrian and vehicle route between key destinations such as the Vector Arena, the Britomart Transport Centre and Parnell Rise.

The lighting upgrade is stage one of a two stage project that will improve Beach Road to a standard befitting a world-class city.

Stage one, which is expected to be completed by March 2007, will see lighting improvements through the installation of multifunctional poles (MFPs) - the same as those successfully installed as part of the Queen Street upgrade.

Stage two is planned for construction between 2008-2010 and includes new street furniture and improvements to the existing footpath.

Dominion Constructors will carry out work between Britomart Place and Churchill Street on both sides of the street with pedestrian and vehicle access maintained at all times.

There will be shoulder closures to ensure that Dominion can work in a safe environment, which may affect some parking availability but will not affect traffic flow.

Hours of work will generally be 6.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday.

No work will take place on Sundays or public holidays.

Work will cease from Friday, 15 December 2006 to Wednesday, 27 December 2006 to comply with the Christmas moratorium.

In order to complete the improvements faster and shorten the upgrade period, working hours may be extended and the public will be advised accordingly.

The Beach Road upgrade is a vital component of Auckland City’s 10-year action plan to transform and revitalise the CBD as one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic business and cultural centres.

Notes

The existing streetlights will be replaced with new MFPs and reduced-glare lights that:

• increase visibility at bus stops and intersections
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• prevent blind spots
•
• are energy efficient.
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The new lights will be white (metal halide) rather than golden yellow (high-pressure sodium), as per Auckland City’s lighting policy for areas with heavy pedestrian traffic at night.

White light is recommended because it produces superior colour definition - creating an optimal natural look and a safer environment.

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