Closing of street

Press, 26 February 1987, Page 12

Closing of street

Sir, — At present a double line of vehicles can proceed across the estuary Road-Bridge Street intersection. Left-turning vehicles do not hinder those going straight through. I can not see this privilege remaining with the introduction of yet another garden-sized roundabout. The adversities will increase with the added volume of present Kibblewhite Street users if closure goes ahead. Judging by the number of poles arid signs knocked down, and night deaths; I fail to see the advantages. Rules, not concrete, please. Just how many streets do we have now that go one-way or nowhere? And > the maps, now $7, are a consideration. The resolution of this parklover’s obsession is between the council arid 20 parochial house-

holders versus work-a-day motorists, visitors and such. The closure will add 1.2 miles a trip for some motorists. Can the council advise the cost of this road-to-park conversion? — Yours, etc., F. N. (NORM) WARDELL. February 10, 1987. [The deputy general manager, works, Mr H. E. Surtees, replies: “With the roundabout in. place at the intersection only one lane of traffic will be able to enter from each direction. However, traffic flows are low and there should not be any significant delays. There is a high accident rate at the intersection with collisions spread throughout the day and night, often when very little traffic is about. Experience shows that a roundabout will be effective in reducing both the numbers and severity of injury accidents. Local opinion is divided on the question of closing Kibblewhite Street and, as is usual, a public hearing will shortly be held at which affected residents may make, submissions. If the proposed closing goes ahead some drivers will have longer trips to Bridge Street and the city. However, at the appropriate speed for the conditions, there is not a great deal of difference in time as Kibblewhite Street is very narrow. Rather than widen it and subject the residents to increased speed and danger, the council policy is to collect longer trips on to properly designed arterial roads. Admittedly, some of these have imperfections but the opposite course of encouraging traffic to avoid main roads by travelling, at speed, along. residential streets, will not only tend to spoil the environment, but also increase accidents. The ultimate decision in principle on closing Kibblewhite Street, or modification, to it, will be decided at a formal public hearing.”]