We recently sought feedback on Auckland Transport’s (AT) proposal to install a Kea Crossing on Paparata Road in Bombay. Please find below a feedback summary and outcome.
Feedback results
The proposal received positive feedback with some concerns raised by respondents. After reviewing this feedback and all other supporting evidence, the proposal will proceed without changes to the next stage of detailed planning.
Specific feedback
Potential stormwater issues. Auckland Transport will assess any potential stormwater issues during the detailed design stage.
Will there be parking restrictions either side of the crossing at opening and closing times? Broken yellow lines are proposed on both sides of the road and on either side of the crossing point.
The rugby club/hall carpark gets used by parents so there will be traffic entering and exiting at school drop off/pick up. Will there be a problem with the alignment of the new school entrance being almost opposite? The proposed Kea Crossing location is clear of the access to the Bombay Hall. Discussions were had between the school and the Rugby Club regarding the continued use of the car park and Rugby Club representatives have confirmed that that they are happy for that to continue.
Install a kerb to prevent parking here, people will ignore Broken Yellow Lines. Broken yellow lines are sufficient.
Enforcement can be undertaken if required.
Extend the footpath to meet up with Little Pioneers Daycare. Extension of the footpath will be considered, however, given the length required, this may be cost prohibitive, particularly given the expected low pedestrian activity from the Daycare Centre.
Move the crossing up to the stairs by the netball courts.
The area outside the netball courts is away from the main pedestrian desire line. The required length of new footpath along the southern side would also need to be significantly longer to provide a connection to the Rugby Club car park.
Consider LED sign that can warn drivers when crossing is in use, The approach sight distance for the static signs will be sufficient and therefore no need for LED signage.
Request some form of weather protection (eg. Bus shelter) for when children are waiting to cross the road, particularly on the opposite side to the school. Shelters are only considered at scheduled bus stops and not at crossing facilities as pedestrians do not wait for long periods of time at crossings.
Install a person underpass (The Bombay Underground) under Paparata Road instead, as this is a more permanent, safe and user friendly solution. There is no justification in terms of pedestrian numbers for such an extensive and costly solution – as land purchase would be required. In addition, an underpass would not necessarily create a pedestrian friendly environment due to their enclosed nature.
Concerned that the issue will move to the Rugby Club car park, any plans to upgrade this?
The current issue is related to the vehicle and pedestrian movements in the drop-off/pick-up area. The use of the Rugby car park has been agreed upon with the Rugby Club. No upgrade of the car park is proposed as part of this project.
Will the parking bay outside the school office be moving? The drop-off/pick-up area (i.e. the 2 lanes) will be closed but the staff car park will remain.
Next Steps
We expect to introduce this work at the start of the 2018/19 financial year, subject to any further changes in design or funding issues.
Contractors will issue 48-hour notice to all affected residents prior to construction work.
For more information please go to
https://at.govt.nz/about-us/have-your-say/south-auckland-consultations/paparata-road-bombay-kea-crossing/.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Hooper| Project Administrator
