New traffic measures in line for busy NP suburbs

A raft of potential traffic changes in the busy Strandon and Fitzroy areas of New Plymouth could take another step if they are approved by the council’s strategy and operations committee tomorrow.

The changes include introducing traffic lights at the Mangorei Rd and Devon St East intersection, building a new roundabout at the Paynters Ave intersection, and introducing priority pedestrian and cycle crossings in Strandon and Fitzroy.

It also includes upgrading intersections along the stretch of road from Baring Terrace to Fitzroy Village. It has been almost two years since the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) first consulted with the public about traffic issues in the area, following an approach by concerned residents and business owners.

‘‘The main themes from the engagement feedback highlighted issues with traffic speed, poor pedestrian and cycling environment on the corridor, traffic control at Mangorei Rd and landscape improvements, amongst others,’’ council transport planner Stuart Knarston said in a report to elected members. Knarston believed the proposed changes would allow ‘‘better traffic control and safer behaviour’’ in the area, where a number of schools are close by.

When the public was first consulted on the issues in 2021, feedback from groups, including retailers and residents, St John Bosco and Fitzroy Primary schools, identified poor pedestrian infrastructure, congestion, traffic speed and an inability to turn right at different points as major concerns.

The strategy and operations committee will now decide if the findings of the traffic study in the area would be released to the Strandon and Fitzroy communities, businesses and Ngāti Te Whiti hapū.

The next stage would then involve concept design and costing of the potential changes to be included in the transport programme for the draft 2024-2034 long-term plan.

The council would seek further engagement with the community as part of the design phase.

The final cost of the changes could be met in two ways, with the cycling and walking elements of the changes paid for under national agency Waka Kotahi’s Transport Choice package if it was still available beyond 2024.

The cost of the remaining improvements would be funded by ratepayers through the longterm plan, with Waka Kotahi paying 51%.