15 September 2005

Plans progress with purpose for passengers

Auckland City’s Transport and Urban Linkages Committee has agreed to progress the streetscape design for Dominion Road, at its meeting last night.

The design proposals are part of the Dominion Road 2016 project, one of the council’s key transport initiatives.

“Developing Dominion Road is a crucial initiative led by the council, and will strengthen Auckland’s passenger transport network,” says Councillor Richard Simpson, chairperson of the Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

“With Transit New Zealand’s State Highway 20 Mt Roskill extension underway, it is necessary to further develop Dominion Road’s performance as a passenger transport corridor.”

The project protects the route for passenger transport and includes widening in some areas, indented bus bays, upgraded bus stops and other improvements to continue to make bus travel a good travel choice along this corridor.

“The council’s plans to widen parts of Dominion Road for bus facilities will ensure Aucklanders can choose bus travel as a quality alternative to the single occupant car,” says Mr Simpson.

“Existing measures have been successful on Dominion Road but we are looking forward to ensure this key route remains viable and efficient in the future.”

Auckland City will be consulting on the proposed streetscape plan, and design principles for Dominion Road, in October this year.

“Implementing the changes for buses also provides an opportunity to improve the way Dominion Road looks and feels,” says Mr Simpson.

“While the project’s basis is transport, it needs to incorporate and enhance the street’s character through considerate design, making this a great street now and in the future.

“Particular characteristics to be reflected in the final design include Dominion Road’s straightness, the nearby volcanic cones, its villages and heritage. We also hope to see a reflection of the cultural diversity that has emerged along the road.”

The Dominion Road initiative will create significant improvements to the region’s transport network, and is part of the council’s comprehensive programme funded by the transport targeted rate. These initiatives will deliver sustainable transport choices for Aucklanders.

ENDS

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