Hi

Residents on Ahuroa Road recently got a consultation document from Auckland Transport concerning a proposed section of 1-lane roading being established on the Ahuroa Road hill section.

Some may have thought, as I initially did, that the consultation was about interim 1-lane arrangements during construction. However on re-reading the document I reckon it is intended to be permanent.

Having lived on Ahuroa Road since 1994, seeing the traffic volumes rising especially over the last 8-10 years, seen the sealing programme stall for around 12 years, and now hearing from AT that they would like to make part of our road 1-way to say I’m irritated is putting it very politely. Especially as the reason given on the letter is to “avoid excessive cost”. Absolutely nothing said about the expected impact on road users.

One can’t but feel that lurking feeling of rural communities coming off second-best at the hands of AT under the supercity, especially given Ahuroa Road is so busy now.

The Consultation period closes on the 20th ie this Wednesday. So if you feel similarly and haven’t already done so email the AT address at [email protected], and our Local Board member Beth Houlbrooke [email protected] and tell them what you think of the idea.

Andrew Cranna-Powell