The road transport industry is applauding Wellington City Council’s decision to scrap raised pedestrian crossings, speed bumps and in-lane bus stops from the Brooklyn Connections project.
Industry body Transporting New Zealand says the changes would have created major problems for heavy vehicles on Brooklyn Road, the main route to the Southern Landfill.
Membership manager Lindsay Calvi-Freeman says the organisation met with council officers in late August alongside the Greater Brooklyn Residents Association. Shortly after, the council confirmed the vertical devices and in-lane bus stops would no longer go ahead.
“This is great news,” Calvi-Freeman says.
“It is a pragmatic and common-sense decision that recognises both safety concerns and the vital role Brooklyn Road plays as the main route to the Southern Landfill.”
The original plan included eight raised crossings, several speed bumps and two in-lane bus stops.
Calvi-Freeman says those measures, particularly on the uphill side, would have caused repeated stop-start traffic for landfill trucks and large truck-and-trailer units, driving up diesel use, emissions and wear and tear.
Transporting New Zealand says it is pleased the council has listened to the concerns of the transport industry, emergency services and local residents.
The council’s new plan can be viewed here.
