For the next few months, Auckland Transport will be trialling temporary measures around Birkdale Primary School designed to reduce vehicle speeds.
The changes include a simplified road layout, kerb build-outs to slow traffic, and artwork to signal that this is a school area and slow speeds/extra care is needed. These changes have been developed in consultation with the Birkdale Primary School.
Recently a number of residents presented to the Kaipatiki Local Board with concerns about various aspects of the proposal. In response, Auckland Transport has made a couple of minor changes to the design, although I’m aware that there are still concerns. Auckland Transport will be responding during the trial to make design changes on-the-fly if needed.
CONSTRUCTION:
The changes will be constructed overnight (7pm to 6pm) from Monday 31 May to Thursday 3 June. During the construction period, there may be machinery noise, restrictions on parking, and traffic control in place.
TRIAL:
The changes apply to Birkdale Road and Salisbury Road, and also the intersections with Stott Avenue and Bishopgate Street:
- School zone markings and new speed bumps will alert drivers that they are entering a slow speed area.
- Drop-off and pick-up zones outside school gates in the vicinity of 126-128 Birkdale Road and 3-5 Salisbury Road, indicated by a purple painted kerb and signage. These zones will operate from 8.00am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm. During these times, parking will not be available as the intention is for parents to pull in to safely pick-up or drop-off children to school.
- Kerb build-outs along Birkdale Road and Salisbury Road to reduce lane width to slow down vehicle speeds around the school and to prevent illegal parking.
- Street art within kerb build-outs and on the footpath with a specific theme chosen by Birkdale Primary School. This will complement the overall design scheme for the area by creating a clearly visible, vibrant and safe school zone.
For more information and to give feedback on the trial: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/birkdale-primary-school
