Dunne: Horokiwi median closure decision on hold
8 June 2009

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has agreed to put its plans to close the median barrier on State Highway 2 at Horokiwi on hold, pending further discussion with affected residents.

Ohariu MP Peter Dunne convened a public meeting yesterday attended by more than 60 concerned Horokiwi residents and two NZTA representatives.

He said NZTA gave clear assurances to the meeting that it would think again about its proposal to prevent Horokiwi residents making right turns into Horokiwi from State Highway 2.

Mr Dunne said it is clear that the proposal does not have the support of Horokiwi and it was made without any community consultation.

“Closing the gap in the median barrier does not provide a safer or more efficient solution for either residents or SH2 road users.

"It will force all Horokiwi traffic to detour to Ngauranga and back, increase traffic congestion for all, double petrol consumption, and rule out public transport options.

“There are also serious concerns about the provision of emergency services, both to the Horokiwi community and to anyone requiring assistance between Ngauranga and Petone.

“The intersection is currently poorly designed with too many variables such as no merge lane-shifting to Petone, high speed traffic, blind corners, new cycle lanes and a new on-demand cyclists’ warning light all happening in a very short distance," he said.

Residents suggested NZTA consider other options to make the intersection safer.

Horokiwi Community Association Chair, Sydney Shep, noted that “better road aligning with legal run-in and run-out lanes to make it safer for traffic entering and leaving Horokiwi would be one step, a flyover or timed access provisions, plus better signage and speed restraints are all viable options.”

“Blocking off the right turn option altogether strikes me as a sledgehammer to crack a nut,” Mr Dunne said.

NZTA has undertaken to consider the residents’ views and provide more information about alternative options at a follow-up meeting in four weeks.

Ends

Mark Stewart | Press Secretary | Office of Hon Peter Dunne
DDI +64 4 817 6985 | Mb +64 21 243 6985 |
unitedfuture.org.nz