Council is proposing to make safety and accessibility upgrades to the East Street area to make it safer and easier for everyone to get around, whether they are driving, walking, or biking.
Local community feedback has driven these East Street Intersection improvements.
We have engaged with you before on several projects, through the Eastern Pathways programme.
The two proposed upgrades include improvements to the intersection of East Street and Peachgrove Road, as well as a new pedestrian crossing point and kerb build outs at the intersection of East Street and Brooklyn Road.
We are seeking feedback on potential options for both upgrade proposals.
East Street intersection
There are safety concerns with the current East Street and Peachgrove Road intersection due to a blind corner that limits sightlines for drivers, particularly for right turns from East Street onto Peachgrove Road.
Several design options were explored and the four options below are being put forward for consultation, including fully closing this section of East Street and restricting turning movements. Some options include improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport in the area, including connections to a new housing development nearby and the Wairere Drive underpass.
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This would mean:
- East Street would become a cul-de-sac, removing vehicle access between East Street and Peachgrove Road
- Reduced risk and severity of crashes.
- Additional travel time for residents of East Street, Young Street, Gillies Avenue, and Brooklyn Road leaving home to access Peachgrove Road (heading north and south).
- Additional travel time for residents of East Street, Young Street, Gillies Avenue, and Brooklyn Road returning home without access from Peachgrove Road.
- Likely increase in vehicles using Pearsons Avenue, Daisy Street, and Brooklyn Road.
- Adds a new signalised crossing, shared pathways, and easier access to nearby bus stops.
- Cost estimated at $1.39 million.
This would mean:
- Vehicle access from East Street to Peachgrove Road would be limited to left turn out only.
- No vehicle access into East Street from Peachgrove Road.
- Improves sightlines at the intersection for drivers and pedestrians due to no right turns.
- Reduced risk and severity of crashes.
- Additional travel time for residents of East Street, Young Street, Gillies Avenue, and Brooklyn Road leaving home to access Peachgrove Road (heading south).
- Additional travel time for residents of East Street, Young Street, Gillies Avenue, and Brooklyn Road returning home without access from Peachgrove Road.
- Likely increase in vehicles using Pearsons Avenue, Daisy Street, and Brooklyn Road.
- Adds a new signalised pedestrian crossing, shared pathways, and easier access to bus stops.
- Cost estimated at $1.4 million.
This would mean:
- Right turns out of East Street and straight-through movements out of East Street would be restricted
- Reduces some safety risk at the intersection, while retaining more vehicle access than full and partial closure options. However, drivers may still attempt right turns.
- Additional travel time for residents of East Street, Young Street, Gillies Avenue, and Brooklyn Road leaving home to access Peachgrove Road (heading south).
- Likely increase in vehicles using Pearsons Avenue, Daisy Street, and Brooklyn Road.
- Includes a new signalised pedestrian crossing, shared pathways, traffic island, and easier access to bus stops.
- Cost estimated at $1.39 million.
This would mean:
- Existing traffic movements would remain unchanged.
- Existing safety concerns would not be addressed, while traffic volumes in this area are set to increase as nearby development occurs.
- No additional travel time for residents of East Street, Young Street, Gillies Avenue, and Brooklyn Road using Peachgrove Road.
- No pedestrian or cycling improvements would be included.
- Lowest cost option with no major infrastructure changes required.
Brooklyn Road crossing point
Council is also looking at adding a pedestrian crossing point and kerb buildouts at East Street and Brooklyn Road to make it safer and easier for people walking and cycling to cross to the nearby Claudelands Park. This is estimated at $300,000.
The proposed crossing point will also help create a more direct walking and cycle route between Heaphy Terrace, Claudelands Park, and the University of Waikato, using the Wairere Drive underpass located at the eastern end of East Street.
