Manurewa Local Board members are welcoming news a raised zebra crossing delayed by funding issues in the wake of COVID-19 will go ahead on Finlayson Avenue.
Auckland Transport expects to begin work within the next few weeks.
“It’s fantastic news because this board believes everyone has the right to be safe walking in their own neighbourhood,” board chair Joseph Allan says.
The board has invested heavily alongside Auckland Transport in safety improvements in the Wordsworth Quadrant and plans to do so again in the Coxhead Quarter.
Allan says the crossing will improve safety for children attending the nearby school.
“It’s really good news because no one wants to see a child injured and have to explain that measures to prevent that were foiled by COVID-19.”
The new zebra crossing will be on a raised table at 215 Finlayson Avenue, with additional traffic and side islands that will ensure pedestrians and vulnerable road users have priority when crossing the road.
Tactile yellow pavers will be included to help visually impaired people safely cross.
Two parking spaces go to provide greater visibility and three to upgrade nearby bus stops to current design and safety standards.
Board transport portfolio lead Ken Penney says the board has been relentless in its push for raised crossings at schools.
“We have been advocating for the return of the programme to raise pedestrian crossings around schools since the rollout was halted by Covid-19 and we continue to believe it is the best move to help ensure the safety of our tamariki."
Auckland Transport says one of its main aims is to make roads safe for people walking and cycling, especially children and senior citizens, using projects such as Finlayson Avenue as a step towards achieving its goal of having no deaths or serious injuries on our roads.
The crossing was first discussed after resident concerns over speeding brought calls for traffic calming devices.
