Where do you stand on the future of Te Puna Station Road? Do you want us to re-open one lane to eastbound traffic, or keep it closed?
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is keen to hear whether our whānau would like one lane of the road temporarily reopened under traffic management.
“Minimising the impact on our roading network is important, and re-opening the closed section of Te Puna Station Road is one option available,” says Council Group Manager Infrastructure Group, Cedric Crow.
“We want to be sure on what the community wants, at least for the next six months, while we consider the road’s long-term future.”
Impacts to the road date back to October 2022, when a storm event triggered over-slips. The road was closed to traffic during Auckland Anniversary weekend in January because of large under-slips from severe weather – with a 600-metre stretch of the road needing major repairs.
In May 2023, the road was safely opened to pedestrians and cyclists following minor safety improvements.
“It will stay open to pedestrians and cyclists no matter what – but we’re keen to understand if the community wants it open to one-lane for eastbound traffic,” adds Cedric.
Two multi-choice questions are being asked on our website:
- What is your preferred option for traffic on Te Puna Station Road short term (in the next six months)?
- One way, one-lane traffic (eastbound)
- Closed to vehicles (i.e. pedestrians and cyclists only)
- What is your preferred option for traffic on Te Puna Station Road long term (12 months and beyond)?
- One-way, one-lane traffic (eastbound)
- Two-way, two-lane traffic (i.e., full reinstatement)
- Two-way, one-lane traffic (with traffic signals controlling direction priority)
- Closed to vehicles (i.e., pedestrians and cyclists only)
If the road were to be temporarily re-opened to eastbound traffic, it is anticipated to reduce heavy vehicle traffic on Clarke Road by about 70 percent. Clarke Road has experienced some wear and tear from the increased heavy vehicle traffic.
“If the community wants to re-open one lane to eastbound traffic, it won’t happen overnight. It could take up to six weeks to see vehicles on this road again,” explains Cedric.
“If it does open, it would relieve some congestion on nearby Clarke Road and provide a safer route for heavy vehicles onto State Highway 2, but it could encourage some rat running which is something we are mindful of too,” adds Cedric.
“We will be keeping a close eye on how things are going, monitoring existing slips and possible future slips, so we can keep our community safe regardless of what option they choose.
“While we are starting to ask the question now about Te Puna Station Road’s long-term future, no decision will be reached on a permanent decision for quite some time yet.”
You can share your views at haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/te-puna-station-road. Feedback closes on Friday 8 September.
