The upgrade of a zebra crossing on Tripoli Road is part of a wider vision to make walking and cycling safer across Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.
With limited discretionary spending due to the Emergency Budget, including for road safety initiatives, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board was faced with having to prioritise projects, choosing only one of the many projects across the board area in need of progressing.
“This year we can deliver a fraction of what we know needs to be done to improve safety on public roads in our neighbourhoods," explains Chris Makoare, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair.
“This particular project, improving the Tripoli Road crossing, is a project we know the community has been waiting for because it will make the busy Tripoli Road corridor much safer.
"Following research, community consultation and advice from Auckland Transport, we allocated the funding towards this upgrade design because it will vastly improve safety for travel to and from Tamaki Primary and Sommerville Special schools, as well as making it easier for residents to access the Tripoli Road shops.
“It is only one of many projects we need to complete to improve safety for residents walking, biking, or scootering. These types of improvements keep our most vulnerable residents safer, whilst providing more accessible connections. They also encourage more people to leave their cars at home for short trips thus reducing traffic congestion for those that must use their cars”
The raised pedestrian crossing will be located where the existing zebra crossing exists, at the corner of Tripoli Road and Hobson Drive. The project includes a Swedish-style raised crossing designed to reduce traffic speed and improve visibility of those on the crossing.
“The location of this project was determined through road safety investigations and is designed to improve pedestrian safety by slowing approaching traffic and prioritising pedestrians,” explains David Nelson, Auckland Transport's Portfolio Delivery Director (Projects).
Work is expected to begin in January 2021 and be completed by the middle of February 2021
