Forrest Hill is set to become safer for people to walk around thanks to new pedestrian crossings at several locations on Sunnynook Road.
Auckland Transport (AT) is proposing the changes as part of a larger transport safety plan and expects the proposal to particularly benefit children walking to and from school, sports grounds and shopping centres.
The project is in response to requests from the community to improve crossing facilities and is supported by Devonport -Takapuna Local Board and AT’s Community Safety Fund.
AT’s Executive General Manager - Safety, Bryan Sherritt, says AT is partnering with elected members and their communities to improve safety for everyone.
“We’ve been working closely with local boards and ward councillors to address local safety issues raised by their communities. We want to make sure that we do everything we can to improve safety on the roads for everyone.
"Our aim is to get you there safely, and once we have done that, we will build in as much efficiency as we can. We are now asking for feedback from the community - which will help us with our final improvements,” he says.
At 145 Sunnynook Road, AT is proposing to:
- Install a pedestrian crossing with traffic signals and add high-friction surfacing to slow vehicle speeds before the crossing
- Alongside the new signal crossing, AT will repaint the broken yellow line parking restrictions next to the bus stops - on the north and south sides of the road.
At 19 Sunnynook Road, AT is proposing to:
- Install a new zebra crossing on a raised platform that is level with the footpath
- Extend existing broken yellow lines on Morton Avenue and Sunnynook Road to make sure that parked cars do not block the view of the new crossing, pedestrians and nearby intersections
- Paint new broken yellow line parking restrictions on Tobago Place to prevent parked cars from blocking the road where it narrows
- Altogether, this involves removing 18 car parking spaces from these roads
- Relocate two trees to provide enough space to build the pedestrian crossing.
At 49 Sunnynook Road, AT is proposing to:
- Install a new zebra crossing on a platform that is level with the footpath
- Remove the existing pedestrian crossing outside 45 Sunnynook Road - as it is located on a dangerous bend in the road.
At 85 Sunnynook Road, AT is proposing to:
- Install a new zebra crossing on a platform that is level with the footpath
- Extend broken yellow lines outside 81 and 83 Sunnynook Road to make the crossing safer by making sure parked cars do not block the view of the new pedestrian crossing. This involves removing two car parks.
All pedestrian crossings will have new streetlights, tactile pavers, road markings and signs to improve visibility for people driving and walking. Footpaths will also be slightly altered to improve access to the crossings.
Consultation is open until November 22.
For more information and to have your say, visit AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay
