My Account
Work has started on planning a proper school bus turnaround in Puhoi Village to improve child safety and reduce congestion.
The Puhoi Community Forum hopes to fundraise to see the turnaround built in an open space, opposite Puhoi River Motors.
Buses are currently forced to do a three-point turn using the one-way bridge that links to the Puhoi Sports Club carpark.
Puhoi Community Forum co-chair Dustyn O’Leary says it’s an issue that everyone in the community talks about.
“We want a long-term solution,” Dustyn says.
The forum hopes to also include a footbridge, next to the road bridge near Puhoi River Motors, as part of the project.
“Currently, there is no safe pedestrian access on that bridge.”
Costings and public consultation will be sorted before next year, but approval is also needed from Auckland Transport (AT).
“I have contacted three people from AT and I’m yet to have any feedback on the idea,” Dustyn says.
He says the main issue will be soil stability and run off into the river, but he would like to see the project finished within the next two years.
Talks are also being held with Puhoi River Motors owner Russell Green over concerns that vehicles may use his premises for parking.
The turnaround could also cater for tour buses, which would free up car parking in the village.
The forum hopes to cover the cost of the project with grants and fundraising.
