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Henderson-Massey
Local Board
07 April 2016
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Auckland
Transport Update Report - April 2016
File No.: CP2016/05455
Purpose
1. The
purpose of this report is to respond to requests from the Henderson-Massey
Local Board on transport-related matters, inform the board on the current
status of the board’s Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF), and
facilitate decisions on proposed and current, LBTCF projects and to provide
information to elected members about Auckland Transport (AT) activities.
Executive Summary
2. This report covers matters of specific application and
interest to the Henderson-Massey Local Board and its community, matters of
general interest relating to Auckland Transport activities or the transport
sector, and relevant Auckland Transport media releases for the information of
the board and community.
3. In particular, this report provides an update on:
· Local
Board Transport Capital Fund Projects
· Consultation
documents on proposed safety improvements
· Local
Board requests on transport-related matters
· Media
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Recommendation/s
That the Henderson-Massey
Local Board:
a) receive the Auckland Transport Update Report – April 2016.
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Comments
4. The
Henderson-Massey Local Board has outlined through its 2014-17 local board plan,
that it has a strong interest in the role of transport and how it helps to
create a connected community.
This includes improving safety in our neighbourhoods, improving the look of our
town centres, as well as supporting people to get to the places they want to go
for work and recreation.
5. The local board plan has a specific transport
outcome in which Auckland Transport has a key role in bringing to life.
OUTCOME:
REAL CHOICES BETWEEN WALKING, CYCLING, PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND CARS
· We (HMLB)
have identified our transport priorities as increasing investment in walking
and cycling infrastructure, improving public transport and reducing reliance on
roads and cars.
Henderson-Massey
Local Board Plan 2014-17 (Pages 38-41).
Monthly Overview
6. The monthly Transport Portfolio Briefing was held on 1
March 2016. Chairperson Neeson and the Transport Leads were present and
received updates on
· The
Transport for Future Urban Growth project
· Local
Board Transport Capital Fund project – Glen Road
7. Auckland Transport attended a workshop on 15 March, to work
through the roading and signage issues that had come to light with the
Northwest Development and Shared Space at Westgate.
LOCAL BOARD TRANSPORT CAPITAL FUND (LBTCF)
8. The Henderson/Massey Local Board’s funding allocation under the
LBTCF is currently $748,378 per annum.
9. The Board’s current LBTCF projects are included in the
table below (in which ROC = rough order of costs, and FEC = firm estimate of
cost):
|
ID#
|
Project Description
|
Progress/Current Status
|
|
134
|
· Mobile
Speed Indicator Boards for NZ Police.
· Actual
$15,595
|
· Closed
|
|
135
|
· Bus Stops
Glass-Etch Protection
· Actual
$110
|
· Closed
|
|
145
|
· Pomaria
Road Walkway Lighting
· Actual
$14,838
|
· Closed
|
|
146
|
· Sturges Road Kerb &
Channel
· Actual
$593,476
|
· Closed
|
|
147
|
· Rathgar
Road Walkway Lighting
· Actual
$19,590
|
· Closed
|
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149
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· Lincoln
Park Avenue Kerb & Channel and Streetlighting
· Actual
$160,526
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· Closed
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224
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· Waitemata
Drive Bridge
· Actual
$52,520
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· Closed
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225
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· Glen Road
Safety Improvements
· ROC $1,821,000
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· The detail design is now complete.
· The final cost estimate for this project came about $230k above
the original allocated budget.
· The construction work is ready to be tendered out in the market.
· Land Owner Approval (LOA) is urgently required for Parks areas
where two rain gardens are proposed to treat stormwater runoff from the
carriageway.
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322
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· Wadier
Place Footpath Improvements
· FEC
$143,243
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· Construction works complete
· A surplus of $73,757 isleft from the total $217,000 allocated budget
for this project.
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323
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· Pedestrian
Refuge at Taikata Rd
· FEC
$35,006
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· Construction works complete
· A surplus of $7,994 is left from the total $43,000 allocated
budget for this project
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463
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· Henderson
Creek Shared Path Improvements Study
· FEC $26,721
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· The assessment study was completed in December 2015.
· Three scenarios were identified in the study, which cost $26,721.
· A decision needs to be made by the board on the next step for this
project.
· A workshop can be arranged to discuss possible ways forward for
this project.
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10. The Henderson-Massey Local Board’s
transport capital fund to date is summarised below.
TE ATATU CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UPDATE –
March 2015
11. Higgins
Contractors continue working in Te Atatu Road, Edmonton Road and the side
streets:
· Mapping underground
services
· relocating services
· re-locating property
boundaries
· building retaining
walls where necessary.
· moving power lines in
side streets.
12. During the period prior to Christmas, Higgins Contractors
were constantly finding new obstacles hampering their ability to relocate
underground services, which are among the essential enabling works for the road
widening and re-build. This is because of the age of Te Atatu Road and the many
times services have been installed, moved, removed, etc. These problems were
compounded by the existing water-main being old fragile pipes which are prone
to breaking, when trenching in close proximity to them. This therefore required
a change in work methodology.
13. Higgins elected to undertake a detailed subsurface
investigation to understand the actual situation. The
results of this work were then fed back to the designers, MWH Global Limted,
who then validated their designs or made changes as appropriate. It is expected
that the time invested in this exploration will yield benefits to the work
programme, by reducing the amount of down-time as a result of unforeseen
services.
14. This accounts for Higgins’ continued ability to leave four
lanes open in Te Atatu Road until March.
15. At
the time of writing:
· a resumption
of three laning is scheduled to commence on the evening of 30 March and be
fully in place by the early morning of 1 April with the set-out being
undertaken during two night shifts. This is one week after the originally
advertised date and enabled four lanes to remain operational during Easter, to
assist businesses and residents during the long weekend.
· Higgins
Contractors are still examining the possibility that now they have a clear
picture of the sub-surface situation, they can organise a staged work programme
in which the lane closure may only need to be partial at any one time. Thus, a
length of the lane would be closed for works and then reopened, with the next
length then closed, etc.
· At the time
of writing this possibility has not been confirmed.
16. AT and Higgins have worked with the All Seasons
Pharmacy in respect of the installation of a major storm-water
filter in the car-park in Vera Road outside the pharmacy.
17. The pharmacy made a valid case for a change to the original
methodology for this installation and AT agreed to
install the filter on three successive weekends, when it would have least
effect on customers with critical conditions and dependent on access to the
pharmacy.
18. AT has also authorised Higgins to establish a temporary
carpark to assist customers of the pharmacy and the
medical centre directly opposite.
19. Due to the uncertainty around the overall methodology, two
communications activities proposed for late February and March have been
postponed until there is more certainty. These include :
· A newsletter from AT to the wider catchment of
all Te Atatu South and areas in Glendene, Kelston, Glen Eden and Henderson.
· Businesses
to be approached to co-operate on advertising and marketing initiatives.
20. Both will be rescheduled after
Higgins confirms its final work methodology (which is expected by the end of
March).
· A number of
directly targeted communications - letters and emails - have been sent to
residents affected by different aspects of the on-going works (service
shifting, night-works, road closures, etc)
· This report
is accurate at the time of writing and any changes of consequence after
publication will be notified to
the Board.
GREAT NORTH ROAD FLUSH
MEDIAN AND BUS STOP IMPROVEMENTS
21. Auckland Transport will be upgrading some of the
road markings on Great North Road, near McLeod Road, Henderson. As part of
this upgrade, Auckland Transport is proposing to make improvements to the bus
shelter outside No. 285A Great North Road. Attachment at A1.
Auckland Transport is proposing the following improvements:
· Widening the flush median on Great North Road to allow vehicles to
more easily complete a two-stage turn, and to increase safety for all road
users.
· Removing the existing bus stop shelter (currently outside No. 285A
Great North Road), and installing a new bus shelter at a new location towards
the head of the bus stop, also outside No. 285A Great North Road.
· Removing the tree next to the bus stop outside No. 285A Great North
Road to make space for the new bus shelter.
22. Auckland Transport has investigated this area as
part of its Minor Safety Improvements Programme. Investigations showed that the
flush median on Great North Road, between Newington Road and McLeod Road, is
too narrow for vehicles to safely complete a two-stage turn (pulling into the
flush median to wait for a gap in traffic before completing the turn). We will
be widening the flush median to enable vehicles to more easily and safely
complete a two-stage turn. We will also be upgrading any substandard road
markings.
23. The existing bus stop shelter outside No. 285A
Great North Road has an opening facing away from the road, making it difficult
for passengers using the shelter to see approaching buses. Reorienting the bus
stop shelter with the opening facing the road and removing the tree will better
serve passengers and increase visibility for passengers and buses.
Local Board Response
24. The
Local Board Portfolio Leads
were supportive of what is being proposed.
TRAFFIC CALMING AT BEACH ROAD
25. Auckland Transport is proposing to relocate one of the new bus stops and
shelter from the previously proposed location at No. 58 Beach Road (outside
Hospice) to No. 62 Beach Road. As a result of this change, the new speed
cushion will now be located near No. 55 and No. 70 Beach Road.
Why are the changes
required?
26. In 2013, Beach Road was investigated for speed calming measures in response
to safety concerns raised by the local community and the Henderson-Massey Local
Board. In particular, concerns regarding vehicles speeding along the road. As a
result of these investigations, Beach Road was identified by Auckland Transport
as high priority for speed calming measures.
27. In December 2015 a revised proposal for the speed cushions
was considered. Auckland Transport received a majority of support from the local community for the revised
option proposed. As part of the proposal, new bus stops with shelters are also
proposed along the road. One of these new bus stops was previously proposed to
be located outside the Hospice. However, this location has been revised
following feedback relating to the sensitive nature of activities that take
place at the Hospice. As a result of this and further investigation, a new bus
stop and shelter location has been identified outside No. 62 Beach Road.
Why are we removing
parking?
28. Auckland Transport acknowledges that this proposal will
result in a loss of on-street parking spaces. However, the removal of parking
is necessary to install the speed cushion and provide access for buses to
safely enter and exit the bus stop. The spaces likely to be removed are shown
on the enclosed plan, attached at B1
Local Board Response
29. The Local Board Portfolio Leads were supportive of
what is being proposed.
PROPOSED BUS STOPS – SWANSON ROAD, SWANSON
30. Auckland Transport is
proposing a new bus stop outside 695, Swanson Road, as well as relocating the
bus stop from 682, Swanson Road to 686, Swanson Road. AT’s plan for the
proposal is attached at D1.
31. The proposed bus stop outside 695, Swanson Road is
being installed to fill a large gap between existing bus stops, and to ensure
the distance between bus stops along this route does not exceed Auckland
Transport’s minimum standard. This specific location has been selected for the
bus stop because:
· Evenly spaced between existing bus stops;
· There is sufficient clear space to accommodate a concrete
footpath for passengers to board and alight in a comfortable and expedient
manner;
· It serves a large population
32. Both the relocated and the new bus stops will include a bus
stop sign, road markings to indicate the location of the bus stops, and no
stopping yellow lines at both ends of the bus stops. Apart from these, the new
bus stop outside 695 will also include a hardstand concrete pad, and a kerb
adjustment as shown on the attached plan.
Local Board Response
33. The Local Board Portfolio Leads were supportive of what is being proposed.
PROPOSED BUS STOPS – SWANSON ROAD, RANUI
34. Auckland Transport is proposing a pair of new bus
stops outside 297A and 352, Swanson Road, Ranui. Our plan for the proposal is
attached at E1.
35. Both the proposed bus stops will include a bus stop
sign, road markings to indicate the location of the bus stops, no stopping
yellow lines at both ends of the bus stops, and widening of the existing
footpath to the extent shown on the plan.
What other issues have Auckland Transport
considered when selecting this location?
36. Parking - Auckland Transport wants buses to be able
to access bus stops quickly and properly so that delays to bus passengers and
the general traffic are minimised. Auckland Transport acknowledges that this
proposal will result in a loss of ten on-street parking spaces. However, the
installation of the bus stop road markings and the broken yellow lines either
side are necessary to ensure that the bus can safely enter and exit the bus
stop. If no broken yellow lines are installed the buses will have trouble
entering/exiting the bus stop, and be unable to pull into the kerb properly,
which would create an unsafe environment for bus passengers to board and exit
the bus. Further to this, there is widespread on-street parking available in
the surrounding area, which can be utilised by vehicles affected by the parking
removal
Local Board Response
37. The
Local Board Portfolio Leads
were supportive of what is being proposed.
PROPOSED BUS STOPS – SUMMERLAND DRIVE, HENDERSON
38. Auckland Transport is proposing two new bus stops on Summerland Drive,
Henderson between Ennerdale Lane and Sandhurst Rise. Our plan for the proposal
is attached at F1.
What other issues have Auckland Transport
considered when selecting this location?
Parking
39. Auckland Transport wants buses to be able to access bus
stops quickly and properly so that delays to bus passengers and the general
traffic are minimised. Auckland Transport acknowledges that this proposal will
result in a loss of five on-street parking spaces on the eastern bus stop and
three on-street
parking spaces on the western bus stop. However, the installation of the bus
stop road markings and the broken yellow lines on the back of the bus stop are
necessary to ensure that the bus can safely enter and exit the bus stop. If no
broken yellow lines are installed the buses will have trouble entering/exiting
the bus stop, and be unable to pull into the kerb properly which would create
an unsafe environment for bus passengers to board and exit the bus. Further to this, there is
widespread on-street parking available in the surrounding area, which can be
utilised by vehicles affected by the parking removal.
Visibility from driveways
40. Auckland Transport wants to make moving around Auckland as
easy as possible. Part of that is ensuring that all accesses have good
visibility. Currently, on-street parking limits the visibility from the
driveways either side of the proposed bus stop. Replacing the on-street parking
with a bus stop should, most of the time, improve visibility from these
driveways because, generally, buses will only occupy the stop for about 10 to
20 seconds at a time.
Visibility from intersection
41. The
proposed bus stops are close to the intersections of Chadlington Avenue and
Summerland Drive, as well as Ennerdale Lane and Summerland Drive. However, the
bus stop has been positioned to ensure that when there is a bus parked at the
stop, vehicles will be able to clearly see approaching traffic.
42. When will the proposed changes be implemented?
43. These changes are planned to be implemented in 2017.
Local Board Response
44. The Local Board Portfolio Leads were supportive of what is being proposed.
BARN DANCE – GREAT NORTH ROAD
INTERSECTION
45. Auckland Transport has received a request from the Chairman
of the Local Board to change the Great North Road/Railside Avenue intersection,
to run with a Barnes Dance pedestrian crossing phase.
Update
46. Auckland Transport will be trialing the pedestrian exclusive
phase at this intersection. However Auckland Transport needs to monitor the
congestion levels, especially for buses. The modelling done prior to the trial
showed significant impact to the intersection capacity after this phase
change. AT understands the vision of the local board for the Henderson Town
Centre and fully supports this but it’s important for the Local Board to note
that AT will trial the barn dance for a period and that if there is significant
negative impact on the buses, AT will need to revert back to the original
phasing. AT will keep the Local Board updated on progress.
47. Auckland Transport is aiming to have the new phasing
implemented before the end of this financial year. (June 2016)
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ISSUES CLOSED
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Subject Name
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Description
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Subject Requested Date
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Subject Closed Date
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Traffic Calming At Beach Road
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The Local Board Portfolio Leads were supportive of what
is being proposed.
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February
2016
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March
2016
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Don Buck Road, Massey - Proposed No Stopping At All Times
(Nsaat) Restrictions
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The Local Board Portfolio Leads were supportive of what
is being proposed.
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February 2016
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March 2016
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Active Warning Signs Near Freyberg Community School
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The Local Board Portfolio Leads were supportive of what
is being proposed.
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February 2016
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March 2016
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Proposed New Bus Stops And Bus
Shelter – 2 And 9 Seymour Road, Henderson
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The Local Board Portfolio Leads were supportive of what
is being proposed.
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February 2016
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March 2016
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REGIONAL UPDATES
Transport for New North Western Auckland Housing
48. A north western busway, new park and rides, an alternative
corridor parallel to State Highway 16 through Kumeu/Huapai, extended commuter
rail services and state highway improvements, are all part of potential transport
plans to support large numbers of new houses in north west Auckland.
49. The public
have a unique opportunity to help set the direction for the transport needed
during the next 30 years for future communities around Whenuapai, Red Hills,
Kumeu, Huapai and Riverhead. These areas are currently rural land outside urban
limits.
50. This is part
of a six week public consultation on potential transport solutions for future
urban growth areas in north west, north and south Auckland. Consultation in
north west Auckland took place between 3 to 17 March, focusing on what
transport priorities should be and a range of potential projects. Four weeks of
further public consultation will start in April.
51. The feedback will be used to help identify the transport network
needed to support the area’s growth during the next 30 years. This is a joint
project between Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, and the NZ Transport
Agency.
52. The recommended networks will also be used to help inform
discussions between the Government and Auckland Council on agreeing an approach to develop the city’s
transport system (the Auckland Transport Alignment Project).
Project underway to improve safety on SH16 Trigg Road
53. The Huapai community will be the first to benefit from a
series of safety improvements the NZ Transport Agency are carrying out on SH16.
54. Several improvements will be made to the Trigg Road, State
Highway 16 intersection in Huapai starting this week.
55. The work which will include extending the 60km an hour speed
limit by an extra 100 metres, installing a new right hand turning bay and relocating a power pole, is
expected to take around a month to complete.
56. There have
been three serious injury crashes at the intersection in the past five years.
57. As part of the Transport Agency’s short term safety focus,
further improvements will also be made at other locations on SH16 later this
year including Kahikatea Flat Road, Pipitiwai to Mt Rex Road, intersection
widening at Joyce Adams Place intersection and guardrail installation at
Kiwitahi Road.
HOP Card Gold Card
58. In June 2015, Auckland Transport (“AT”) received
notification from the Ministry of Transport that SuperGold public transport
travel benefits were to transition onto smart travel cards from 1 July 2016,
where any region operated a single, region-wide smart card system. Auckland
Transport has the AT HOP cards, which is a single region-wide public transport
smart card and consequently began initial planning for the transitioning
SuperGold customers wishing to continue to access the public transport travel
benefit onto the AT HOP card.
59. As part of an extensive program of activity to ensure this
initiative is successfully completed in line with the due date, AT has informed
key senior stakeholder groups (such as Grey Power and Age Concern) of the
requirement to purchase an AT HOP card in order to continue to access free
travel through the SuperGold public transport scheme from 1 July 2016. AT is
currently in the process of finalising a comprehensive marketing communication
campaign, which will commence upon the completion of a series of workshops and
customer focus groups intended to identify opportunities to ease the process to
purchase an AT HOP card and register a SuperGold concession.
60. AT plans to distribute a direct mail packet of information
to all SuperGold card holders in Auckland, with valuable assistance from the
Ministry of Social Development (“MSD”) where possible, which is currently
scheduled to commence by early May. To compliment this mailing, AT has
developed a comprehensive marketing campaign to ensure all Auckland residents
(including SuperGold customers and their family support members, advocacy
groups, retirement villages and residential care homes) are aware of the
requirement. AT will also be working with MSD to ensure non-Auckland residents
are also informed and understand the requirement to have an AT HOP card when
accessing the public transport travel benefit.
Consideration
Local Board views and implications
61. This
report is for the Local Board’s information and action as required.
Māori impact statement
62. No
specific issues with regard to the Maori Impact Statement are triggered by this
report.
Attachments
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No.
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Title
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Page
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aView
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Great North Road and Mcleod Road Intersection Saftey
Improvements
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19
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bView
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Beach Road Traffic Calming Measures
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21
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cView
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696 Swanson Road
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23
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dView
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297 and 352 Swanson Road Bus Stops
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25
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eView
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29 and 33 Summerland Drive Bus Stops
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27
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Signatories
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Authors
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Busola Martins - Local Board Democracy Advisor
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Authorisers
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Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey,
Waitakere Ranges, Whau
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Henderson-Massey
Local Board
07 April 2016
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Local Board Transport Fund application update report –
Glen Road and Henderson Creek shared path assessment
File No.: CP2016/05467
Purpose
1. The purpose
of this report is to inform the Henderson-Massey Local Board on the current
status of the board’s Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF), facilitate
decisions on proposed and current, LBTCF projects.
Executive
Summary
2. The total
available funding across the five years 2012/13 to 2016/17
from the Henderson - Massey Local Board Transport
Capital Fund is $3,741,890, in which $2,950,116 is already committed to
projects, and the remaining $791,774 is yet to be allocated to projects.
3. The final
design is now complete for the Glen Road Safety Improvements project, in which
the latest construction cost estimate came about $230k over what been estimated
during the scheme design.
4. The physical
works for both Wadier Place Footpath Improvements, and the Pedestrian Refuge
Island at Taikata Road are now complete, with about $81.7k remain as a surplus
money, which will be returned to the funding pot.
5. The
Henderson Creek Shared Path Improvements study was completed in December 2015.
The study report provides the local board the ability to choose between three
short, medium, or long terms options to address the existing deficiencies along
the studied area. A $67,491 remain unspent from the allocated $94,212 budget
for this project.
|
Recommendation/s
That the Henderson-Massey
Local Board:
a) approve
an additional allocation of $230,000 from the Local Board Transport Capital
Fund for Project 225, Glen Road Safety Improvements in addition to the
$1,821,000 previously allocated budget, noting the full cost of implementing
this project is now projected to be $2,051,000.
b) consider
holding a workshop in May this year to discuss which projects, including
options identified through the Henderson Creek Shared Path Improvements
Study, that the board my consider to allocate the remaining $561,774 (subject
to (a)) in their Local Board Transport Capital Fund budget.
|
Comments
Monthly overview
6. Auckland
Transport attended a workshop on 5 April 2016 to provide updates on its
approved programme in the Henderson-Massey Local Board area.
7. The
detail design and cost estimate for the Glen Road Safety Improvements project
is now concluded, and the final cost estimate to complete the construction
works shows $230k over what was been allocated to this project.
8. The physical works to construct Wadier Place Footpath Improvements
was completed in February this year, with surplus left from the allocated
budget.
9. The
physical works to construct pedestrian refuge island at Taikata Road was
completed in March this year, with surplus left from
the allocated budget.
10. The study to
assess the best options to upgrade the existing share path along Henderson
Creek, the stretch between the Tui Glen reserve and the North-Western motorway
was concluded in December. Three scenarios can be drawn from the assessment
study, in which provides the local board the ability to choose between short,
medium, or long terms options to address the existing deficiencies along the
studied area. Appendix A (under separate cover) outlines details on this study.
Local board transport capital fund (LBTCF)
11. The Henderson Massey Local Board’s funding allocation under the
LBTCF is currently $748,378 per annum.
12. The
local board’s current LBTCF projects are included in the table below (in which
ROC = rough order of costs, and FEC = firm estimate of cost):
|
ID#
|
Project Description
|
Progress/Current Status
|
|
134
|
· Mobile
Speed Indicator Boards for NZ Police.
· Actual
$15,595
|
· Closed
|
|
135
|
· Bus Stops
Glass-Etch Protection
· Actual
$110
|
· Closed
|
|
145
|
· Pomaria
Road Walkway Lighting
· Actual
$14,838
|
· Closed
|
|
146
|
· Sturges Road Kerb &
Channel
· Actual
$593,476
|
· Closed
|
|
147
|
· Rathgar
Road Walkway Lighting
· Actual
$19,590
|
· Closed
|
|
149
|
· Lincoln
Park Avenue Kerb & Channel and Streetlighting
· Actual
$160,526
|
· Closed
|
|
224
|
· Waitemata
Drive Bridge
· Actual $52,520
|
· Closed
|
|
225
|
· Glen Road
Safety Improvements
· ROC
$1,821,000
|
· The detail design is now complete.
· The final cost estimate for this project came about $230k above
the original allocated budget.
· The construction work is ready to be tendered out in the market.
· Land Owner Approval (LOA) is urgently required for Parks areas
where two rain gardens are proposed to treat stormwater runoffs from the
carriageway.
|
|
322
|
· Wadier
Place Footpath Improvements
· FEC
$143,243
|
· Construction works complete
· A surplus of $73,757 left from the total $217,000 allocated budget
for this project.
|
|
323
|
· Pedestrian
Refuge at Taikata Rd
· FEC
$35,006
|
· Construction works complete
· A surplus of $7,994 left from the total $43,000 allocated budget
for this project
|
|
463
|
· Henderson
Creek Shared Path Improvements Study
· ROC
$94,212
· FEC
$26,721
|
· The assessment study which cost $26,721.was completed in December
2015.
· Three scenarios were identified in the study
· A decision needs to be made by the board on the next step for this
project.
· A workshop can be arranged to discuss possible way forward with
this project.
|
The Henderson – Massey Local Board’s transport capital fund to date
is summarised below.
|
Total funding
available (across 5 FYs – 2012/13 to 2016/17)
|
$3,741,890
|
|
Completed
projects reporting actual costs:
|
-$856,655
|
|
Projects
approved for construction based on ROCs or FECs:
|
-$1,999,249
|
|
Projects with
FECs approved for detailed design and costing phase
|
-$94,212
|
|
Funding still available to allocate
|
$791,774
|
Henderson - Massey Local Board transport capital fund summary table
Consideration
Local Board views and implications
13. This report is
for the local board’s information and action as required.
Māori impact statement
14. No specific
issues with regard to the Maori Impact Statement are triggered by this report.
Implementation
15. If extra
budget not get allocated, Auckland Transport will not be able to award the
physical works contract for the Glen Road Safety Improvements project.
Attachments
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No.
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Title
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Page
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a
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Henderson Creek Shared Path Upgrade (Under Separate
Cover)
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Signatories
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Authors
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Owena Schuster – Elected Member
Relationship Manager , Auckland Transport
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Authorisers
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Jonathan Anyon - Elected Member Relationship
Team Manager, Auckland Transport
Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey,
Waitakere Ranges, Whau
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Henderson-Massey
Local Board
07 April 2016
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Lowtherhurst Reserve State Highway 16 Western Ring
Route - Lincoln Road to Westgate Corridor Improvements Project
File No.: CP2016/05710
Purpose
1. To
seek the Henderson-Massey Local Board’s views relating to the New Zealand
Transport Agency’s proposal to acquire part of Lowtherhurst Reserve under the
Public Works Act and approve the proposed mitigation of effects and temporary
occupancy of Lowtherhurst Reserve.
Executive Summary
2. The
New Zealand Transport Agency is upgrading the State Highway 16 Western Ring
Route from Lincoln Road to Westgate.
3. To
enable the improvements to be undertaken, the New Zealand Transport Agency is
seeking to acquire a designated area within Lowtherhurst Reserve of 7547m2
under Sections 50 and 52 of the Public Works Act 1981. They are also seeking an
easement of 1666m2 for construction, maintenance and access and the
temporary occupation of 470m2 during construction.
4. Staff
have assessed the effects on Lowtherhurst Reserve and the surrounding open
space network of the proposed divestment of land and construction of a
stormwater treatment pond. The most significant effect will be the loss of a 25
percent of the grassed open space area of the reserve.
5. Staff
have been in discussion with the New Zealand Transport Agency to consider
options to mitigate some of these effects. Proposed mitigation options include:
· financial compensation
for loss of reserve land
· improved design of the
pond and associated wetland
· public access by way of
an easement across land to be owned by the New Zealand Transport Agency, to a
proposed walking/cycling pathway around the pond and a multi-purpose activity
area.
6. All
costs associated with the acquisition of land, easements, and mitigation works
will be met by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
7. Council
staff will negotiate with the New Zealand Transport Agency on the basis of a
full replacement cost for any land acquired by them under the Public Works Act.
8. To
mitigate loss of open space in the area it is recommend that any compensation
received be made available to support priorities identified in the
Henderson-Massey Open Space Network Plan.
9. Local
board views will be reported to the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee for
their consideration of the divestment.
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Recommendation/s
That the Henderson-Massey
Local Board:
a) support
the divestment of approximately 7547m2 of Lowtherhurst Reserve
(Attachment A) designated by the New Zealand Transport Agency for motorway
improvements pursuant to Sections 50 and 52 of the Public Works Act 1981(all
areas being subject to final design and survey). The land being legally
described as:
i) Part
Lot 25 DP43421 (2349m2 more or less)
ii) Allotment
703 PSH OF Waipareira CT NA58B/833 (5198m2 more or less)
This
being subject to the mitigation agreed by the local board.
b) support
the granting of an easement over 1666m2 of Lowtherhurst Reserve to
the New Zealand Transport Agency for construction, landscape maintenance and
access purposes (Attachment B).
c) approve
the temporary occupation of an area 470m2of Lowtherhurst Reserve
outside the designation, by the New Zealand Transport Agency and their contractors
for a 30 month period from July 2016 to Feb 2019 (Attachment C).
d) delegate
to the Director Community Services, under delegation from the Chief
Executive, the authority to approve the final terms and conditions of the
disposal, easement and temporary occupation of the land by New Zealand
Transport Agency for the duration of the works required on site and all
associated works within Lowtherhurst Reserve.
e) approve
Option B for the mitigation of the effects of the divestment on Lowtherhurst
Reserve and give approval for proposed mitigations that relate to local board
delegations.
f) recommend
Option B to the Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee to obtain an easement
across New Zealand Transport Agency land ( Attachment C) to allow access to
the proposed mitigations identified in Option B.
g) request
any compensation received from the sale of Lowtherhurst Reserve under the
Public Works Act be made available to support the priorities identified in
the Henderson-Massey Open Space Network Plan.
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Background
10. State
Highway 16 is the primary route to and from West Auckland and the Auckland CBD
and forms part of a strategic link known as the Western Ring Route. It is a
government priority roading project of national significance.
11. The
New Zealand Transport Agency is proposing to upgrade State Highway 16 to
provide a safer, more reliable route to increase traffic efficiency through the
Western Ring Route.
12. To
enable improvements to be undertaken, New Zealand Transport Agency applied for
a ‘Notice of Requirement’ to increase their existing designation to accommodate
the Western Ring Route Improvements in 2010. The hearing for the ‘Notice of
Requirement’ was undertaken in June 2011, with approval from the commissioners
being granted on 21 June 2011. A designation extends over 9213m2 of
Lowtherhurst Reserve
13. The
New Zealand Transport Agency is seeking to purchase land within Lowtherhurst
Reserve under Sections 50 and 52 of the Public Works Act 1981.
Lowtherhurst
Reserve
14. Lowtherhurst
Reserve has a total land area of 43,903m2 .The reserve comprises of
approximately 14500m2 of generally flat grassed areas, with the
greater area being mainly of bush with steep gradients in parts. The Rarawaru
Stream runs through the reserve.
15. The
reserve serves the local communities that border it and is mainly used by the
local residents for informal recreation and as a commuter cycling link. During
the summer the stream is often used by local residents (mainly children) for
swimming and water play.
16. The
nearest neighbourhood reserves to Lowtherhurst Reserve are Taitapu Reserve
(2400m2) approximately 700 meters south and Tatyana Park (7863 m2
) 950 meters to the north.
Land requirements and conditions
17. To
accommodate the proposed motorway improvements to State Highway 16, the New
Zealand Transport Agency has identified a land requirement of 7547m2
from Lowtherhurst Reserve for the construction of a wetland treatment pond as
highlighted in pink in Attachment A.
18. To
enable works associated with the construction and maintenance of the wetland
pond there is a requirement for the New Zealand Transport Agency to have an
easement over an area of land within Lowtherhurst Reserve. This easement would
comprise of a total area of 1666m2 as shown in blue in Attachment B.
19. Table
1 below summaries the proposed divestment of park land together with proposed
easement across Lowtherhurst Reserve to be included within the conditions of
sale and purchase agreement.
Table 1: Proposed
divestment and easement of park land to New Zealand Transport Agency for
Lowtherhurst Reserve.
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Physical
Address
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Lot
and Deposited Plan
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Portion
of the site subject to the proposal
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Legal
status
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Proposed divestment of land
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4A Lowtherhurst Road, Massey
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Part Lot 25 DP43421
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2349m2
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Recreation reserve held under the
Reserves Act 1977
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4A Lowtherhurst Road, Massey
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Allotment 703 PSH OF Waipareira CT
NA58B/833
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5198m2
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Recreation reserve held under the
Reserves Act 1977
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Proposed easement of land
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4A Lowtherhurst Road, Massey
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Part Lot 25 DP43421
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367m2
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Recreation reserve held under the
Reserves Act 1977
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4A Lowtherhurst Road, Massey
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Allotment 703 PSH OF Waipareira CT
NA58B/833
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1299m2
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Recreation reserve held under the
Reserves Act 1977
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20. The
New Zealand Transport Agency is also seeking an agreement for temporary
occupancy of 470m2 of the reserve to provide an access area during
the construction of the wetland/stormwater pond and concrete footpath from July
2016 to Feb 2019. This is shown as a red hatched area in Attachment C. This
will have an impact on the use of the reserve during this period.
21. In
order the reduce the impact, the New Zealand Transport Agency has made
assurances that the entrance from Huruhuru Road will not be used as the main
construction vehicle access into the reserve.
Impact and mitigation options
22. The
Henderson Massey Local Board Open Space Network Plan (2015) identifies a
projected population increase of 53,000 over the next 30 years and continued
urban intensification within the Henderson Massey Local Board area placing considerable
pressure on existing open space provision. The divestment of part of
Lowtherhurst Reserve through the Public Works Act represents an unplanned loss
of open space provision for the local area.
23. Given
these factors, officers are of the view that there is a case to be made for the
divestment compensation to be ring fenced as an additional budget to contribute
to funding some of the high priority open space actions identified in the
Henderson Massey Local Board Open Space Network Plan.
24. These
priorities include acquiring and developing new parks in Henderson and Glendene
and developing the capacity in existing parks to improve their amenity value.
Locally to Lowtherhurst Reserve, priorities include; Taitapu Park addition of
seating and picnic table, and ecological restoration; Tatyana Park addition of
seating and picnic table and Lowtherhurst Reserve to improve lighting and
ecological restoration.
25. Staff
and the New Zealand Transport Agency have held a number of meetings to consider
options to mitigate the effects of the construction of the stormwater pond and
battering of the reserve for new motorway support. This had led to two options
being considered, in addition to the financial compensation for the loss of
land.
26. The
options for consideration are as follows:
A. base option is financial compensation for the land only.
Boundary fenced off from the reserve
B. the
development and use of a wetland walkway and multi-activity use area for the
local community with Auckland Council maintaining the footpath and
multi-activity area at an ongoing cost of $500 a year (this will be cost
neutral as there is a cost saving of $555 from reduced mowing on the reserve
resulting from the divestment of land).
Options Analysis
27. Two
options for your consideration are summarised below.
Option A – Mitigation works that the New Zealand Transport Agency
are required to statutorily provide.
This option outlines what the New Zealand Transport Agency would
normally provide by way of mitigation for similar works.
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Option A – Mitigation works that the New Zealand
Transport Agency are required to provide statutorily
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That the
proposed wetland/stormwater pond being built by New Zealand Transport Agency
is fenced off from the remainder of the reserve.
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Financial compensation
for land together with the following mitigation works:
· new gate in to Lowtherhurst Reserve from Huruhuru Road
· New Zealand Transport Agency fence off divested land, with no public
access
· replanting scheme post construction – wetland/stormwater pond
planting and reinstatement planting alongside new motorway boundary batter to
be detailed as part of construction package.
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Advantages:
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Disadvantages:
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Risks:
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· there is an ongoing grounds maintenance saving for Lowtherhurst
Reserve ($555)
· Auckland
Council will not have control and manage additional amenities in Lowtherhurst
Reserve.
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· No community access to the divested area of the reserve
· loss of nature/educational opportunities from the development of a
wetland walkway
· lost
opportunity of local community multi-purpose activity area which could be used
for a range of activities such as cycle safety training and beginner
skateboarding.
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· local community may react to loss of reserve land.
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Option B – Enhanced mitigation works
This option provides for a number of additional mitigations to those
statutorily required, that the New Zealand Transport Agency have offered to
provide at no development cost to council. This is option is recommended by
staff.
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Option B – Community
access to wetland walkway on Lowtherhurst Reserve
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The development
and use of a wetland walkway and multi-activity use area for the local
community with Auckland Council maintaining the footpath and multi-activity
area
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Financial
compensation for land together with the following mitigation works: (These
are in addition to the mitigation works identified in Option A)
Matters delegated to the local board to approve
· multi-purpose activity area (proposed cycling training area and other
activities)
· educational signage on the new wetlands
· artful interventions (fencing) wetlands/stormwater pond
· new signage in the reserve relating to the wetland/stormwater pond
walkway (walkway information and warning signage)
· replanting scheme post construction – wetland/stormwater pond
planting and reinstatement planting to be detailed as part of construction
package
· all existing and new paths/walkways to be interlinked
Matters that
require approval from the Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee
· an easement in favour of Auckland Council across New Zealand
Transport Agency land to enable the use of the walking/cycling path and
multi-purpose activity area, and for maintenance requirements. (Attachment
C). This should form part of the conditions of the sale and purchase
agreement.
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Advantages:
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Disadvantages:
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Risks:
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· the development of a wetland area in the reserve will enhance the
currently under developed reserve
· nature/educational opportunities from the development of wetland
walkway through signage
· local community has access to a multi-purpose activity area which
could be used for a range of activities such as cycle safety training and
beginner skateboarding
· greater use of the enhanced amenities would help ‘Crime prevention
through environmental design’ (CPTED) issues on the reminder of the reserve
· local
community see the wetland walk amenities as enhancements to the reserve as
against loss of reserve land.
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· there is an ongoing maintenance to council for the general up keep of
the newly formed footpaths and multi-activity area ($500 per year).There will
be a saving of $555 on mowing costs per year so this will be cost neutral
· Auckland Council will not have control of the standard or frequency
of grounds maintenance around the wetland area which will be maintained by
NZTA at a lower standard.
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· the wetland walkway and multi activity area will not be used by the
community
· poor grounds maintenance by NZTA will be attributed to Auckland
Council
· there is the potential the new amenities may attract misuse
· there is no local community views on the need or the use of the proposed
amenities
· local community may react to loss of reserve land.
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Summary of options
Option A represents the minimum mitigation works that the New
Zealand Transport Agency would be statutorily required to provide and would be
fully their responsibility to manage and maintain. This option, whilst freeing
council from any ongoing responsibilities and providing a small maintenance
saving, prevents the community from having access the divested area of
Lowtherhurst Reserve.
Option B represents additional mitigation works that the New Zealand
Transport Agency are prepared, but not obliged to provide at their cost. If
this option is accepted there would be a requirement for council to agree to
ongoing maintenance of the newly formed footpaths and multi-activity area
albeit at a minimal cost. If this option is not accepted then the New Zealand
Transport Agency will provide the mitigation work outlined in Option A.
Staff are recommending Option B as it will provide for greater
community access, a linkage between the new stormwater pond and the remaining
reserve and improved amenity to the currently underdeveloped reserve.
Financial compensation
28. A
valuation for the land will be undertaken by council on the basis of full open
space replacement costs and will inform negotiations with the New Zealand
Transport Agency on appropriate compensation for the loss of open space.
29. The
Henderson Massey Local Board will receive the income from the temporary
occupancy agreement with New Zealand Transport Agency during the construction
phase.
Decision making
30. Approvals
for disposals and acquisitions (land and easements) are made by the governing
body.
31. Approvals
for the temporary occupancy of Lowtherhurst Reserve are made by local boards.
32. The
local board’s views and decisions are sought through this report to inform the
decision making process.
Next Steps
33. Subject
to the views of the local board, staff will proceed with the required processes
to:
· report the proposed
divestment and easements of Lowtherhurst Reserve to the Parks, Recreation and
Sport Committee for consideration on the 26 April 2016
· obtain a valuation for
the land to inform compensation negotiations with New Zealand Transport Agency
and once approval has been given Corporate Finance and Property will negotiate
the compensation and easements with the New Zealand Transport Agency
· seek approval from the
Minister of Conservation for the divestment of recreational reserve land held
under the ‘Reserves Act 1977’
· approve the final terms
and conditions of the temporary occupation of the land by New Zealand Transport
Agency and all associated works within Lowtherhurst Reserve by the Director
Community Services, under delegation from the Chief Executive.
Local Board views and implications
34. Two
workshops have been held the first on 2 February 2016 on site at Lowtherhurst
Reserve with Henderson-Massey Local Board members, together with key Auckland
Council staff, Auckland Transport and New Zealand Transport Agency
representatives involved in the project. The second workshop was held on 23
February 2016 with Local Boards members and key Auckland Council staff.
35. Local
Board members expressed the following comments:-
· the loss of a
significant area of reserve land however they generally support the local
community having access to the wetland walkway and multi activity area
· safety concerns of
local residents during construction of the wetlands/stormwater pond, ensuring
there is a good traffic management plan
· that construction
vehicles should not use Huruhuru Road to gain access to the site and this
should be done via the motorway
· that any maintenance
costs related to the wetland/stormwater pond walkway is NZTA responsibility
· that the ecology of the
stream and esplanade reserve are maintained
· that all funding from
the sale of land in Lowtherhurst Reserve be utilized in the Henderson-Massey
Local Board area on parks and reserves to mitigate for loss of reserve land
· extensive consultation
should be undertaken with local residents prior and during the construction
phase.
Māori impact statement
36. The
New Zealand Transport Agency has undertaken consultation with mana whenua for
the State Highway 16 Northwestern Motorway improvements. A series of hui have
been held to discuss the overall aspects of the project, and to seek direct
input into stormwater design and urban design elements. The design of the
project has evolved in response to feedback and input from mana whenua. The
last meeting was held on 27 November 2015.
37. On
28 October 2015, a hui/site visit to Lowtherhurst Reserve was held at which the
proposed local road improvements were discussed with representatives from:
· Ngati Tai Ki Tamaki
· Te Akitai Waiohua
· Te Kawerau A Maki
38. Discussions
at that hui focused on stormwater discharges, vegetation clearance and earth
works of the reserve, periodic site visits when the project is underway. A
range of measures to manage stormwater discharge and works on site were agreed
which included water quality testing of Rarawaru Steam and Huruhuru Creek and
reports on any ecological and archaeological reports completed.
Implementation
39. Subject
to the required approvals the New Zealand Transport Agency are scheduled to
start works from July 2016. The project will take approximately 2 and half
years to complete.
Attachments
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No.
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Title
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Page
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aView
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Attachment A - Proposed divestment of land on
Lowtherhurst Reserve
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41
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bView
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Attachement B - Proposed easement on Lowtherhurst
Reserve
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43
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cView
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Attachment C – Proposed temporary occupancy (NZTA) and
easement around wetland (AC)
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45
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Signatories
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Authors
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Paul Clark - Principal Policy Analyst
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Authorisers
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Kataraina Maki - GM - Community & Social Policy
Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey,
Waitakere Ranges, Whau
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