Beach haven roundabout upgrade backed

Birkdale and Beach Haven Residents Association vice-president Lisbeth Alley wants Beach Haven’s upgrade to align with the area’s wharf theme.

An upgrade at a busy roundabout is generally supported, says a residents association spokeswoman.

Birkdale and Beach Haven Residents Association vice-president and Beach Haven Placemaking Group chairwoman Lisbeth Alley says there have been safety concerns for some time about the roundabout at the intersection of Beach Haven and Rangatira roads.

The upgrade aims to increase the size of the central island and splitter island of the roundabout, improve road markings and signage and reduce car parks to improve pedestrian safety.

This roundabout in Beach Haven could be upgraded to improve pedestrian safety.

“If you’re trying to cross those roads you’re putting yourself at risk, particularly a mum with a pram or someone in a wheelchair,” Alley says.

She says a pedestrian crossing is one way to fix the issue.

Eight car parks are proposed to be removed for safer visibility between pedestrians and drivers.

Alley says the loss of carparks is not a big concern for residents.

“I think they’re planning on removing parks from outside the brand new Beach Haven gardens, which will open up this new area.”

Kaipatiki Local Board member and transport lead Richard Hills says businesses could be affected by the loss of car parks.

Hills, Alley and Auckland Transport [AT] held a public meeting on August 10.

Fifty residents were present, some of which felt they weren’t up to speed in terms of what was happening with the project.

The meeting was arranged by Hills to make sure the new roundabout was “worthwhile”.

“We need to get it right the first time. I don’t want it to end up like the Verrans Corner roundabout,” Hills says.

He says the upgrade is scheduled to go ahead, but hopes AT tweaks the design to suit the community’s needs.

“Projects of this size need more than just the standard consultation. If it’s on an arterial road it needs more than just the opinion of the residents within 100 meters of it.”

Alley says residents want a theme weaved into the roundabout design.

“We want it to go along with the theme of wharfs and the beach. Shells could be used for example.

“The upgrade is wanted in general. Some people can’t see the point of upgrading or they don’t like change – but it’s got to be done.”

– Stuff