A raised crossing on South Lynn Road is set to be modified to address impacts on nearby homes, following discussions between residents and Whau Local Board.
Installed in 2024, the crossing unexpectedly triggered vibrations due to unknown pre-existing seismic conditions. Nearby homes experienced the strongest effects.
The board heard from several residents at its February business meeting.
One local resident told the board that while she had been originally supportive of the project, she “hadn’t expected the impact it would have on her house and well-being", and that when buses or heavy vehicles went over the speed bump, "her whole house shook.”
Another resident had a similar experience, saying she realised there was a problem as soon as the crossing was installed.
“Before the crossing was installed, we had no shaking, but now the whole house shakes 20-50 times a day, seven days a week, including Christmas day, and wakes the whole house from the first bus at 5.21am.”
Removing the crossing
After hearing the accounts of the impact on houses from residents, the board agreed to remove the raised crossing while retaining the zebra crossing, adding side islands, and installing a pram crossing.
These changes will be paid for from the existing $359,600 project budget, plus $30,000 from Auckland Transport (AT).
Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says that the board had to ensure that residents’ concerns were acted on.
“This was installed because of our desire to keep kids safe on their way to school. None of us ever dreamed this disruption would be a result of the installation.
“However, in this instance unforeseen seismic issues after installation resulted in negative impacts to residents’ homes, prompting them to raise the issue with us.
“Once we were made aware of the issues caused by the crossing, we worked with AT to arrive at a solution that retains many of the safety features, while also removing the raised table that was causing the issue.
“While this puts the project over budget, the shortfall has been met by AT, who recommended the solution that the board has agreed on today.
“Overall, we are pleased to have been able to resolve the problem while retaining the safety features of the crossing and want to thank the residents that took the time to bring the issue to our attention.”
Next Steps
Auckland Transport will now begin work to remove the raised crossing and make the amendments required.
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