A review of the safety of Links Avenue was undertaken by Tauranga City Council following requests from a number of local residents. The report was presented to council's Commissioners on Monday, 21 June 2021. The Commissioners confirmed that consultation with the local residents and wider community regarding changes to Links Avenue to improve safety will be undertaken before any changes to the road layout are made.
“In an Innovative Streets style of consultation, council works with the community and users of the street to get an outcome that meets the community needs while achieving the safety outcomes. In relation to Links Avenue, a reduction in the overall traffic volume is the only solution that will improve safety for vulnerable users on the streets, and one of the options to achieve this is a cul-de-sac,” says Brendan Bisley, Director of Transport. “A cul-de-sac is a solution that will reduce the traffic volumes and improve safety for vulnerable users such as the school children that walk and bike along Links Avenue,” says Brendan. “A cul-de-sac improves safety, but does impact on the surrounding network, particularly the traffic that currently uses Links Ave as commuter through-route.”
The consultation process may develop alternative solutions that are preferred, and these would be considered before anything is implemented onsite in Links Avenue. “If the cul-de-sac was the preferred option after consultation, it can be implemented as a trial and the impacts assessed before a final solution is put in place,” says Brendan.
Consultation will begin later this year, and if anyone is interested in what is happening in this area they can find more information, or sign up for the regular ENews, at www.tauranga.govt.nz/arataki.