Crossing back on agenda

A controversial pedestrian crossing in Factory Rd, Mosgiel, is again up for discussion.

Dunedin City Council plans to install a $23,000 crossing near the Factory Rd-Church St intersection were halted last August after some local businesses labelled it "ludicrous", "dangerous" and "dumb".

The Mosgiel Taieri Community Board had flagged the crossing idea about a year earlier, but no public consultation had been carried out by the council.

Following a board request, council senior traffic engineer Ron Minnema assessed the site and concluded kerb protrusions were more appropriate than a full pedestrian crossing.

He then met board members on site and two alternative options were developed. Seven adjacent businesses were invited in January to comment on the proposals.

Option one involved constructing two kerb protrusions in Factory Rd, to the west of Church St, and a splitter island in Church St, which would cost $20,000.

Option two involved constructing four kerb protrusions in Factory Rd, on either side of Church St, as well as a splitter island in Church St, at a cost of $30,000.

In a report for today's community board meeting, Mr Minnema recommends adopting the first option, as it would be cheaper, reduce the crossing width for pedestrians and cater for the majority of pedestrians who cross Factory Rd at that location.

The only noted disadvantage was the loss of unrestricted parking outside LJ Hooker's premises .

One business which responded to the council about the proposals, also preferred option one, but suggested consideration be given to constructing a pedestrian crossing east of the intersection.

"Of the two options, option one would reduce the risk to pedestrians at a reasonable cost in the short term, and should be included for construction in the 2012-13 minor improvements programme," Mr Minnema said.

Once the board had considered the report, council transportation operations would confirm if the status quo or one of the options be implemented and advise businesses, if required.

- ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz

 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement