Substantially reduced Dominion Rd plan acknowledges community concerns

Auckland City Council has taken on board community feedback in its amended proposal for the Dominion Road upgrade.

Key recommendations made by the Transport Committee to the new Auckland Transport agency for the Dominion Rd improvements (View Rd to Denbigh Ave) will include:

• A preference for bus lanes, which would only apply in peak travel periods (6.30 to 9.30am weekday mornings, 3.30 to 6.30pm weekday evenings), rather than 24 hours a day. Exact hours to be confirmed following further consultation.
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• Ensure parking on Dominion Rd is available during most of each business day.
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• A desire to reduce the number of right turn restrictions from Dominion Rd
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• The future scope of cycle lanes be revisited once consultation feedback has been reviewed.
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• That a ‘one-level’ road surface allow for future-proofed flexibility around lane markings.
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• Further consultation be undertaken to fine-tune a revised scheme.
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Transport Committee chairperson, Councillor Ken Baguley, says the council’s amended proposal takes on board key themes expressed in the recent consultation process, especially regarding the retention of parking and bus lane operating hours.

“We appreciate the large number of local residents, business people and commuters who took the time to express their views via the consultation process.

“Today’s proposals should dispel the myth that council is somehow determined to turn Dominion Rd into some kind of four-lane ‘highway’.

“In fact, by extending the width of Dominion Rd in the mid-block sections, we are able to improve the streetscape by widening the footpaths, planting more street trees for a boulevard character, improve street furniture and lighting, and provide better pedestrian crossing facilities,” says Mr Baguley.

“To support businesses and assist motorists we are also looking at options for providing additional parking behind the shopping areas.

More than 1400 written submissions were received during the six week consultation period. An additional 500 telephone surveys were conducted (300 with residents, 200 with businesses), and door-to-door stakeholder engagement with another 200 businesses. Complete results are being compiled this month and will be provided to the new Auckland Transport agency.

The council also received a petition with 6,716 signatures on 24 August.

ENDS

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