Three inter-connecting central Whakatāne streets are set to receive some major safety upgrades with a three-month work programme starting next week.
Hikurangi Street, Pouwhare Street and Eivers Road is the latest neighbourhood to receive a Safer Travel Route as part of Whakatāne District Council’s Active Whakatāne programme.
Council Team Leader Strategy and Asset Management Ann-Elise Reynolds says the Safer Travel Route will make it easier for people to walk, cycle or scooter in the neighbourhood no matter their age or ability.
“Through Active Whakatāne we want to make neighbourhoods an enjoyable and safe place for people to use active modes of travel.”
“Getting people out and active has so many benefits including reducing greenhouse emissions and physical and mental health gains for individuals.”
“These improvements will make it safer for tamariki / children to travel around the neighbourhood, for the elderly to use their mobility scooters and for people to walk or cycle around the area or into Whakatāne town.”
The first phase of the work will start next Tuesday 7th March and see the construction of a pedestrian refuge island on Hikurangi Street and the intersection with Pouwhare Street. In addition, a raised speed table with courtesy crossing will be installed across Pouwhare Street just north of the intersection with Hikurangi Street. Complementary green spaces will be constructed by installing new kerbing creating areas for planting. There will also be additional footpath construction with crossing areas installed to allow for easier movement around this intersection.
The second phase of the project commences on start Monday 27th March and will see a raised speed table with courtesy crossing installed across Hikurangi Street and the intersection of Eivers Road. A new pedestrian refuge island will also be installed across Eivers Road to allow for safe and easy crossing.
The final phase will start in mid-April and will see a raised speed table across Pouwhare Street and the intersection with Landing Road. Upgrades to portions of the footpath will also be undertaken.
Work is expected to take three months to complete, weather dependent. During this time, roads will be under traffic management through all stages, with some possible closures to allow safe working conditions for the contractors as well as affected residents. Access for residents will be maintained at all times. Residents are also asked to put their bins out as usual, and contractors will ensure they are emptied.
“We’re very excited about this work which will make a huge difference to the safety of this neighbourhood,” said Ms Reynolds.
And in further exciting developments, Ann-Elise says additional safer travel routes are planned across the rohe / region.
“We’ve recently finished consultation on the College Road, Edgecumbe safer travel route.”
She adds, “We’re hoping to make it easier and safer for tamariki to get to school and for pedestrians to reach destinations like the Edgecumbe Library, College Road shops, the walk along the stopbank and playgrounds.”
“We’re currently reviewing your feedback on the proposed plans so watch this space for more on this project in the near future.”