More User Friendly for All

Users of Childers Road will soon enjoy a new-found freedom thanks to an upgrade project under-way.

The four blocks – between Cobden and Peel streets – are being widened to improve access to businesses in the area, making it safer for cyclists, upgrading the old footpaths and kerb and channelling, and increasing car parking.

The project, being done in two stages, also includes an upgrade of utilites, some of which are more than 60 years old.

Already complete is the widening of the road between Cobden and Derby streets, the lowering of water and gas pipes and the protection of power cables. Under-way now is the Derby to Grey street section. Stage one – Cobden to Grey Street – is costing $560,000.

Wet winter months mean the road resurfacing is unlikely to start before early October.

The second stage – from Derby to Bright streets – is expected to be completed in late February and will cost around $730,000.

Tenders will soon be called for the second related contract that runs along Childers, between Grey, Bright and Peel streets, and along Bright, between Childers and Kahutia.

Gisborne District Council land transport manager Dave Hadfield says it is anticipated all will be completed before the opening of the new War Memorial Theatre opens in April 2015.

And key to the project is council’s one dig policy that ensures best value for money for the city’s ratepayers.

“While it is fine at the moment, with work crews having in place the appropriate traffic management in place, once the road construction phase starts, it may pay to avoid the road where possible, and use alternate routes.”

ENDS

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