Fendalton Road

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31982, 8 May 1969, Page 14

Fendalton Road

Sir,—ln your issue of April 24 it is stated that the National Roads Board has approved widening Fendalton Road and providing two-lane highways with a median strip of 17 feet from Clyde Road to the railway and a median strip of eight feet from the railway to Harper Avenue. I am strongly opposed to a 17ft median. If it is satisfactory to have a median of eight feet from the railway to Harper Avenue, why should ‘not there be an Bft median right through from Clyde Road to Harper Avenue? In Harper Avenue the new median strip is only about six feet, and with a low concrete kerbing this effectively prevents vehicles from crossing to the opposite roadway. A median of 17 feet will mean ■ needless slaughter of trees which have taken a lifetime to grow. I hope that this median measurement will. be reduced to eight feet before it is too late.—Yours, etc., " "M A. D. HARMAN. April 29, 1969. [The Director of Roading (Mr F. A. Langbein) replies: “The reason for extra width of median between Clyde Road and the railway crossing is to enable turning slots to be provided to facilitate turning movements to side streets on both sides of Fendalton Road. By contrast, between Harper Avenue and the railway crossing turning movements are to and from one side only and this makes possible a median of reduced width. The National Roads Board is anxious to avoid unnecessary disturbance and harm to what is widely recognised as a pleasant and attractive environment. In this case it can see no practical alternative to the proposals put forward by the Waimairi County Council to provide adequately for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Widening between Clyde Road and the railway crossing is likely to be many years ahead and will provide ample time to establish trees and shrubs to conform with future boundaries and ‘soften’ the impact of construction.”]