In what has been dubbed an ‘evolutionary move’, six cul-de-sacs have been given the green light to advance as part of the development of Te Ara Rimu, Kihikihi pathway.
The decision to create cul-de-sacs in Moule, Rolleston, Bryce, Grey, Hall, and Whitaker Streets was made by Waipā District Council’s Service Delivery Committee today after they heard in person from nine of the 149 submitters who provided feedback during consultation in June this year.
The creation of a cul-de-sac, by approving the creation of a pedestrian mall, allows the council to legally restrict traffic to include only pedestrians and cyclists.
Waipā District Councils transportation manager Bryan Hudson said these six streets are critical to close off to ensure a safe and effective pathway for children and the community.
Waka Kotahi have provided $5.64 million funding for the project as part of their programme aimed at helping create more transport choices across New Zealand and helping people safely opt out of cars. The pathway plans were shared with the community in March and received strong support.
Mr Hudson said the six cul-de-sacs would minimise traffic crossing the pathways, provide quieter streets for residents, reduce the serious crash risk at Rolleston and Whitmore Street intersection, and provide safety for the high priority pedestrian crossings outside Kihikihi School on Whitaker and Whitmore Streets.
Kihikihi ward councillor Marcus Gower said it was a fantastic opportunity for his community.
“I think it is a bold move but is the next step in the evolution of Kihikihi,” said Cr Gower.
Mayor Susan O’Regan acknowledged the impact and inconvenience the cul-de-sacs may have on residents. However, the changes formed part of the bigger picture that the community supported through the Kihikihi Urban Development Plan.
The key initiatives from the Kihikihi Urban Development Plan adopted by Council in 2021 included:
- An off-road shared path to connect Kihikihi School, town and open spaces.
- Traffic calming to reduce traffic and speeds along Whitmore and Rolleston Streets.
- Lower traffic speeds around Kihikihi School.
- Divert traffic from rat-running through residential areas.
“This part of the plan has been accelerated ahead of time as we have been gifted funding for this project, but this is part of the bigger picture that attracted huge support for from the community, as did the cycleway itself,” Mayor O’Regan said.
Mr Hudson said the committee and staff had heard the “many submitters who voiced concerns about the speed of traffic.”
The project team had also worked with Kihikihi School, emergency services and service providers, including recycling and rubbish collection, to mitigate any potential issues.
“The roundabouts, pedestrians crossings and raised platforms should address speeding vehicles, but we will monitor traffic and implement further traffic calming measures if necessary,” he said.
The project is expected to start mid-September.
