Mt Albert’s prime prang alley – the intersection of Asquith Ave and New North Rd – appears in line for a safety face-lift.
The intersection, which featured on Mt Albert Inc this week and drew dozens of Facebook comments, is being investigated by Auckland Transport and changes seem almost certain.
Richard Peck, from Kelly Workshop, has been contacted by AT executives looking to run through broad ideas to make the intersection safer and flow better. He will meet with them next week.
An AT spokesman couldn’t give Mt Albert Inc any detail on the scope, options or timing of possible changes, saying simply: “Auckland Transport is currently considering traffic safety measures for the New North Rd/Asquith Ave intersection.”
The spokesman did say, however, that the work from the road safety engineering team was “still in the concept stage”.
It is understood AT has studied traffic accident reports and come to the conclusion it’s time to give the intersection some priority – and the arrival of double-decker buses (wider than standard buses) on New North Rd later next year adds to the need to find an appropriate solution.
The area through to Lloyd Ave will be part of the mix and the impact on businesses on New North Rd, like Kelly Workshop, could also be caught up in the final plan.
But these are obviously very early days and it will be some time before a range of options is prepared for community consultation.
Bruce Morris
