Final Improvements Get under Way on Onewa Road

February 18, 2010

Works to improve the second and final section of Onewa Road between Lake Road and Sylvan Avenue will commence Monday, February 22.

Creating a new transit lane and extending the Share with Care path (shared cycle path and footpath) are two key outcomes for this project.

The transit lane will be a continuation of the existing lane along Onewa Road to the west of Lake Road, while the shared cycle path will be built along the northern side of Onewa Road from Queen Street down towards the Onepoto Shared Use Bridge.

This path will provide an off-road route for people, and especially school children, that may not feel safe or confident cycling along the main road.

The project will also deliver a flush median along the centre of the road making it safer and easier for residents entering or exiting their properties.

There will also be new street lighting and improved traffic signals at main intersections. The undergrounding of overhead power and phone lines will further improve the safety and aesthetics of this important road.

North Shore City Council’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee chairman, Ken McKay, says the project is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to improve transport options and reduce traffic congestion around the city.

“These are the final improvements to this key gateway to our city and add to the changes that were made to the motorway interchange and bridges completed in 2008,” he says.

Onewa Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction where the work is taking place, so motorists can expect some delays during peak traffic times.

During the works there may also be restricted access to some Onewa Road properties. These residents and property owners have already been contacted by Council regarding this.

Mr McKay says Council has been mindful to take considered measures to minimise disruption and inconvenience on this busy and important road.

These measures include the creation of a monitored car parking area in nearby Belle Vue Avenue, a free 24 hour shuttle service for residents affected by the works who need to get to and from their properties, along with a carefully phased works programme.

“The car parking and shuttle service will save people time when leaving and returning to their properties and help us to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he says.

The work which will be undertaken by Transfield Services Ltd is expected to take about nine months to complete and will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to residents and road users.

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