ShoreLines asked Hibiscus and Bays Local Board members, Julia Parfitt and Alexis Poppelbaum for an update on this important roading project.

After significant pressure from the community, Julia Parfitt and local MP Erica Stanford, a $45.6M upgrade to Glenvar Road is due to start in 2022.

Late last year Auckland Transport (AT) consulted with the community on the proposed improvements which included:

  • Traffic light intersections – one at Glenvar/ East Coast/ Lonely Track Roads, and another at Glamorgan Drive/ East Coast Road
  • Footpaths – creation and widening of footpaths along the eastern/ southern side of Glenvar Road
  • Safety measures – raised pedestrian crossings, new pedestrian crossing, planted kerb buildouts, and “slow” road markings
  • Cycle upgrades and amendments
  • Transit lanes – down East Coast Road to the Northcross shops.

During the consultation period, AT received 420 submissions. It will soon be publishing a summary of the feedback as well as responding to issues and questions that people raised. The next step is for AT to refine its proposal and submit a funding application to the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) for the funding that was earmarked in the Regional Land Transport Plan investment programme.

Erica Stanford MP and Local Board members in 2018 presenting submissions to Auckland Transport

Erica Stanford MP and Local Board members in 2018 presenting submissions to Auckland Transport

AT originally advertised a start date of early 2020 which has since been pushed out to 2022. Julia Parfitt and Alexis Poppelbaum have noted their disappointment at this two-year delay and told ShoreLines that they intend to continue strongly advocating for an earlier start date. “We cannot afford to compromise the safety of our road users and pedestrians any longer,” adds Alexis.

Further detail on the proposal can be viewed here.

(First published and permission to post by ShoreLines Magazine)