22 December 2016

Public feedback shapes Mt Albert upgrade

Consultation on the possible right turn options from New North Road to Mt Albert Road as part of a proposed Mt Albert Town centre upgrade has now closed, with some 1700 people providing feedback.

Auckland Transport Major Capital Group Manager Andrew Scoggins says the level of feedback shows how passionate locals are about their community. He adds that in recent weeks, further site inspections have revealed an old concrete road layer which may need to be removed before new surfacing can be laid. “If this is done other utility providers may also want to upgrade their networks as part of the project”, he says.

As a result, the start of construction has been deferred from early January to allow adequate time to analyse and respond appropriately to feedback and conduct further utility and road structure assessments. AT will make a final decision on road layouts and new construction dates later in January.

Once complete, the town centre upgrade will feature:
• More trees, landscaped garden areas and a pocket park on the corner of Mt Albert and New North Roads
• Improved lighting and signage
• A wider, more consistent footpath width through the town centre with new street furniture, and drinking fountains
• A new pedestrian crossing
• A raised cycleway (that is higher than the road), new cycle racks and improved connections through the town centre
• More bus shelters, seating and a wider footpath improving connections between bus and rail, including the Outer Bus Link to the Western Rail Line
• Better pedestrian access routes to the Mt Albert Train Station through new signage and footpath widening
• Better management of storm water run-off through increased planting and landscape design

These features will offer a range of benefits including:
• A safer, more appealing environment for pedestrians, cyclists, commuters, road users and retail and restaurant businesses
• More places to pause and rest and enjoy
• A wider footpath allows for more street activities and gives greater opportunity for on-street dining and arts and culture
• A greener, more attractive environment that retains on-street parking wherever possible
• An environment that reflects Māori cultural values

The AT website will be updated with new information as it comes to hand. https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/mt-albert-town-centre-upgrade

ENDS

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