Wellington Street Motorway onramp to re-open

Congratulations Christine Cavanagh and the Herne Bay Residents Association for successfully advocating to re-open the Wellington Street motorway onramp.

The decision was made after a comprehensive report that showed that as a result of the closure increased traffic flow on local streets ranging from +11% (College Hill) through to +58% (Beaumont Street). But it was the overwhelming response to the resident survey with 71% of respondents supporting the re-opening.

Transit New Zealand has indicated that the on-ramp will open in mid December.

Walking and cycling access through the Auckland Domain

The Auckland Domain is our oldest park, 75 hectares nestled between the Auckland Hospital, Grafton, Parnell and the University of Auckland.

The Auckland Domain became a public reserve in the 1840’s and during that time the natural springs from the Domain were an important source of water for many Aucklanders.

Today the metropolitan park is administered by Auckland Council under the Auckland Domain Act 1987 and in accordance with the 1993 Auckland Domain Management Plan. It is still early days in the delegations to local boards but currently the reserve is governed by our Super City Councillors. But despite having no decision making authority over the Domain it certainly doesn’t stop the Local Board putting forward our view on this important community asset.

It would be fair to say that Auckland has come along way since the Domain Act of 1987, when “Faith” by George Michael was top of the charts, and as the world around us has changed so has the differing demands for access in and around the Domain.

Last week Auckland Transport presented the first major changes to the Auckland Domain since the parks management plan was adopted in 1993:

Traffic calming

• Reduce posted speed to 30kph
• 11 speed humps for traffic calming

Pedestrian improvements

• 4 new pedestrian crossing points
• 2 short sections of footpath
• Associated lighting and signage
• 1 new storm water catch pit

Cycle lanes

• 2 new cycle lanes on Lower Domain Drive uphill and the eastbound section of Domain Drive from the Hospital

The 1993 park management plan that helps to protect the Domain has subsequently framed the actions by Auckland Transport:

Section 3.2 of the plan says “physical restrictions will be established to ensure that excessive volumes of through traffic are discouraged preserving the character of the roads and Domain.”

Section 6.2 of the plan says “Establish and maintain times walking routes, including theme walks such as nature and ecological trails.”

But what has becomes apparent as you read through the Management Plan is the lack of aspiration for the provision of cycle access through the Auckland Domain. As you look at the Auckland Transport recommendations to build cycle lanes it is clear that they comply with the parameters of the park management plan, and as a result:

• The proposed cycle lane from the Auckland Hospital will stop halfway along Domain Drive and will not make the  final connection to Parnell Road because the current management plan does not allow for widening of the road.
• Auckland Transport will encourage cyclists to use the windy lower domain drive when an alternative like the paper trail near Lovers Lane could be the recommended cycle route.

We are so lucky to have the Auckland Domain on our doorstep. And by its very nature the Auckland Domain elicits high quality amenity through bush walks, sport, concert and culture. And I believe that encouraging access by walking or cycling will ultimately enhance the intent of the plan and help to protect that amenity for the future use of all Aucklanders.

Parnell’s iconic blue bridge to be replaced

An Auckland landmark and important pedestrian connection will be replaced this Christmas.

It was early this year that officers reported to the Waitemata Local Board that the rail section of Parnell’s iconic blue bridge had passed its used by date and requires replacement. Point Resolution Bridge was temporarily closed for a week as urgent work was carried out to extend the bridges life for another six months. Three options were presented to the Waitemata Local Board for consideration. Replace the entire bridge with a similar design, replace the rail section of the bridge with the same 1970’s design or replace the bridge with a purpose built new design. The board supported the third option to build a new bridge; a gateway bridge for our community that will improve accessibility. The Waitemata Local Board was able to access the required $3.5million budget in this year’s Auckland Council Annual Plan.

This has been one of the fastest moving council projects I have ever seen. The local board, the Parnell Community Committee, local iwi and Council staff have been working to deliver this project in conjunction with the electrification of the railway corridor that will save significant ratepayer money.

Despite the short timeframe the design of the bridge celebrates the historic context of the site and provides much needed improvements to connection:

– Key connection to the Parnell Baths and walking network

– Important landmark on the Auckland Waterfront

– Opportunity for allowing views to the north and east into the harbour

– Potential for provision for the ease of bicycle access

Historical context

In pre-European times, Point Resolution was occupied as a Maori pa site of Tauratua. During the ‘Russian Scare’ of 1885 the land at Point Resolution was purchased and fortification were established upon the site. It became known as Fort Resolution. In 1904 the fort was abandoned, the guns were relocated to North Head (Devonport), the structure were dismantled and the site was levelled. There is, however, still evidence of archaeological remains here.