MOVED by Member NR Henderson, seconded by Member GB Presland:  

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

Oratia transport projects

a)      Notes it previously approved $20,000 for Auckland Transport to investigate several Oratia transport projects (resolution number WTK/2014/108), and asks that this work now commences. 

b)      Requests that the project brief be expanded to investigate options for improved active transport connections with a continuous safe off road cycling and walking link from Oratia to the Project Twin Streams walkway and Sunnyvale Train Station, including:

i.     a safe pedestrian/cyclist road crossing to connect the shared path from the southern side of West Coast Road to Parrs Park, and; 

ii.    options for a shared path through Parrs Park to connect to the Project Twin Streams pathway and to Sunnyvale Train Station.

iii    investigating options to improve pedestrian and cycle safety with respect to the two roundabouts, including traffic signals

iv    engaging with the Hoani Waititi Marae over pedestrians safety crossing the road in particular with regards to school children

c)      Approves $30,000 from its Local Board Transport Capital Fund for detailed design and other professional services, subject to a) above, to progress the Oratia projects, which will include; a footpath on northern side and shared path on the southern side of West Coast Road, pedestrian zebra crossings along West Coast Road, kerb build out and a pedestrian refuge on Shaw Road near its intersection with West Coast Road and, a parking re-assessment on the southern side of West Coast Road.

d)      Requests that Auckland Transport takes into account the heritage aspects of properties on the north side of West Coast Road in investigating the proposal for a footpath on that side, including whether or not a footpath is appropriate on that side.

e)      Requests that Auckland Transport consults the Oratia Residents and Ratepayers Association on the proposed projects.

ORATIA LAP MASTER PLAN – PROJECTS

Background

2.       As part of the Local Board Transport Capital fund, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board is considering allocating some of its LBTF to the Oratia LAP/Masterplan, which includes a footpath on the northern side & shared path on the southern side of West Coast Road,pedestrian zebra crossings along West Coast Road, Kerb build outs & pedestrian refuge on Shaw Road near its intersection with West Coast Road, Parking assessment on the southern side of West Coast Road. Auckland Transport’s Investigation and Design Team West were involved in the development of the Oratia LAP/masterplan early in 2014, as a stakeholder and to provide technical advice.

Recommendation

3.       Auckland Transport’s recommendation for these proposals is to combine the works for these sites together and start the investigation & preliminary design at the same time and which will include but not be limited to the following items:

·        Undertake topographical survey for all sites, including parking survey

·        Start the preliminary design, and liaise with internal & external stakeholders

·        Prepare preliminary stage cost estimate

·        Advise the Local Board on progress of the work, and bring to their attention any risks or issues, before starting the detail design phase

4.       Auckland Transport’s estimate to undertake the initial investigation works is $30k. However, a decision needs to be made as soon as possible, as this work can take up to three months to complete, from the date of receiving an approval to proceed.

5.       Attached is the current Local Board Transport Capital Fund – Financial update for the Local Board’s information. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board need to make decisions as to whether they wish to investigate the two proposals detailed above or the projects will become impossible for Auckland Transport to complete within the year remaining before the Waitakere Ranges Local Board loses any unspent money from the first four years of the fund.