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Transport issues were on the agenda when One Mahurangi (OM) met with NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi (NZTA) recently.
Specific issues included the decision to raise the speed limit from 60km/h to 100km/h between the end of the motorway and Sheepworld, the southern motorway interchange and Hill Street funding.
Co-chair Dave Stott said the OM deputation was informed that the speed increase was a government decision and safety issues were a low priority.
“We expressed our concerns around the safety issues at the intersection of SH1 with Goatley Road and Kaipara Flats Road where sight distances are inadequate and the increased speed limits made this intersection extremely dangerous,” Stott said.
“NZTA advised that they may review this area from a safety perspective next year.”
On the motorway interchange, OM told NZTA that it was likely, subject to no appeals to the Private Plan Change, that construction could start on the Waimanawa development, south of Warkworth, this year, and that this could hasten the need for the interchange.
“We will continue to lobby NZTA and the government on the need for this link sooner rather than later.”
Stott said it was clear that NZTA, under the current government, would not consider funding Hill Street.
“However, we were advised that it may be possible to carry out incremental works funded by Auckland Council.
“We have made approaches to council about this possibility and are working with NZTA to investigate what could be done as a small project.”
Meanwhile, Stott added that One Mahurangi was meeting regularly with Watercare.
“They are investigating ways to accelerate the works on the interim solution to eliminate the sewage overflow problem in Elizabeth Street.
“They hope to have the works finished by the end of next month. There will be further investigative works to be carried out in Elizabeth Street over the next few months for the main sewer line and we will keep businesses and the public updated as to progress and location of work sites.”
