Transit New Zealand Wellington Regional Office

MEDIA RELEASE 26 March 2007

Transit advises Brooklyn pedestrians of better route into town

Transit New Zealand advises Brooklyn pedestrians of a better route into town after monitoring pedestrians since the open of Karo Drive at Christmas.

Transit project manager Jonnette Adams says pedestrians are better served by crossing Willis Street and Karo Drive rather than crossing Abel Smith Street, the motorway onramp and Willis Street as they were previously used to.

"We're aware that pedestrians are continuing to try and use old walking routes into town from Brooklyn and Aro Valley. They need to reconsider their route into town as there may be more efficient routes to use since the changes that have taken place."

Ms Adams also stresses that pedestrians need to remember to look both ways at Ghuznee Street now it is two-way and they should look for traffic on Vivian Street coming from the Kelburn Hills.

"Pedestrians are doing their best to adapt to motorists' changes and need to remain alert. There are signs on all affected crossing poles that identify the changes. Please consider these carefully when walking in and out of town."

Ms Adams acknowledges that pedestrian facilities are not complete yet, but work will continue for the next six to eight weeks to do this. She says routes will improve as work is completed at specific intersections for pedestrian requirements.

She also reminds Brooklyn and Aro Valley motorists coming into town that they can turn right onto Vivian Street rather than waiting to turn right on Ghuznee Street.

"This is a major change to commuters in Wellington's CBD and Wellingtonians will need to adjust."

Ms Adams says Transit and Wellington City Council will continue to monitor the roads and alter signal phases accordingly to ensure traffic flows.

ENDS

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