NZ Transport Agency is extending cycle lane widening work along State highway 1 in central Dunedin.
Widening of the cycle lanes on the one-way system commenced earlier this year as part of resurfacing and road marking work. To widen the remaining sections, north of Queens Gardens, required sand-blasting off current markings and putting new ones in. The increase in lane width will depend on the location, varying from 2 metres to 2.4 metres.
NZ Transport Agency Project Team Manager Simon Underwood said this new work is costing $150,000 and should be completed by the end of this month. This is one of several short term measures initiated since the start of this year aimed at improving cycle safety in the inner city.
“At the Anzac Ave/Castle St intersection, construction is in progress to formalise what has been a temporary layout to slow the speed of vehicles turning onto the highway from Anzac Ave, and enable the construction of a footpath alongside the highway between Anzac Ave and the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. The work should be finished in the next 3 to 4 weeks. ”
In the Queens Garden area (northbound) safety bollards have also been installed to prevent un-necessary lane changing and motorist travel within the cycle lane. The installation of these bollards has required motorists to enter into the turning lane - for access to Dowling St and Burlington St sooner.
Mr Underwood says this has caught some motorists by surprise and they have found themselves stuck in the through lane. In these cases drivers should simply continue one block through to Stuart St and then turn off the highway. Motorists shouldn’t try to turn into Dowling St or Burlington St from the through lane, as it’s both illegal and un-safe. Overall, motorists have adjusted well to the change.
Another key risk area identified through the submission process earlier in the year is on the Cumberland St to the Jetty St over-bridge, and the installation of further bollards in that location will be undertaken shortly he said.
Other short term improvements being progressed in-conjunction with the Dunedin City Council are the conversion of some short-term parking to longer term parking alongside the cycle lanes and an increase in kerbside parking through the removal of some under-utilised bus stops. A consultation document for longer-term cycle safety improvement measures is currently being jointly developed and is likely to be presented initially to Council, with public consultation to follow in September this year.
