TRAFFIC CONTROL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 101, 1 May 1945, Page 6

TRAFFIC CONTROL

AVONDALE SCHEME

INTERSECTION IMPROVED

A comprehensive scheme aimed at improving the flow of traffic in a busy part of the district has been carried out by the Auckland City Council at the Avondale intersection where Wmgate Road, St. George's Road and St. Jude Street join the Great North Road. Six traffic islands have been constructed at the intersection and the roads widened where they converge.

Though some criticism has been expressed of the council's efforts, it is stated that considerable thought was given to the scheme during the construction period, a number of trials being made under existing traffic conditions to ascertain the most advantageous layout for the intersection. The intention was to slow up the speed of traffic and it is believed that this intention will be fulfilled. There have been many accidents at the intersection in the past.

On the corner of Great North Road and St. George's Road the kerbline has been shifted back about 12ft 6in, resulting in a clearance between the kerb and the central island of 30ft. The kerbline opposite the old Avondale post office has also been set back to improve the traffic alignment. It was necessary to remove the concrete on the Great North Road causeway for a distance of about 100 yards so that the camber could be adjusted to suit the new line of traffic flow. Estimated cost of the road adjustments was £600. Maintained As Lawns The central traffic island is 60ft in diameter and will be laid in lawn. The islands are constructed of pre-cast concrete kerbing 6in high, with a dressing of soil above the clav-filling. The larger ones will be maintained as lawns. The small directional island at the bottom of St. Jude Street has been divided in two to permit pedestrians to cross. St. Jude Street comes down a grade and the visibility for motorists is not very satisfactory, due to the shops on the corner.

Eighteen standard traffic bollards have been placed on the islands and they will be lighted with 100 candlepower lamps from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Bollards will be constructed at other intersections in the city when labour is available and the necessary authority for installing power for lighting has been granted.

Decision to carry out the scheme at an estimated cost of £1400 was made by the council last April and the work was put in hand in October.