Central Connector
Introduction |
Works update |
Central Connector route |
Grafton Bridge |
Central Connector design plans |
Streetscape improvements | Changes to key
intersections | Stay informed
Streetscape improvements
Quicker bus travel is not the only benefit the Central
Connector will provide. There will also be a number of improvements made along
the route to allow for increased pedestrian and cyclist safety, improved
landscaping and more user-friendly facilities. There will also be some marked
improvements to the design of street furniture along the route.
Pedestrian crossings
The design includes 10 new pedestrian crossings, four new
textured crossings and a raised platform at the entrance to the Auckland Domain
to slow traffic. All crossings will be marked with tactile navigation mats for
the visually impaired and allow easy access for the mobility impaired.
Lighting
Lighting in a urban environment is important and especially
so on the Central Connector route that passes two of Auckland's largest
universities and the hospital. Pedestrian safety has been improved by innovative
lighting design. The design uses fewer poles keeping pavement clutter to a
minimum and lights up the area in and under canopies created by trees.
Pedestrians will enjoy safer spaces after dark and
facilities like the hospital, universities and libraries along the route will
benefit from better lighting too.
New look bus shelters
The first
section of the newly designed bus shelters has been installed on the corner of
Park Road near Auckland City Hospital.
This
initial 17m section is part of a 45m long canopy that will provide a large
waiting area and increased shelter. The canopy will also have bus timetable and
route information.
Buses
will not stop at the new bus stop yet. It is being installed early to test the
design before the rest of the shelters are built.
Two
further canopies will be installed along Park Road this year, one adjacent to
the medical school and the other outside the Grafton shops, east of Seaview
Road. The shelters will improve both the appearance and function of the
existing furniture.
New seats
and bins will also be installed to add to the modern new streetscape design.
Alfred Street pedestrian mall
In April 2007, Alfred Street
became a pedestrian mall following extensive consultation. The new mall means
that pedestrians have priority and only existing bus services, cyclists,
emergency services and authorised service vehicles can use the road.
Bins and seats
The street furniture along the Central Connector route is designed to be
elegant and contemporary. Hub Street Equipment and Architectus have designed new
seats and bins as features of the plan to improve the urban environment between
the CBD and Newmarket. In total, 20 new seats and 41 new rubbish bins will be
placed along the route.
Landscaping
Auckland City Council is
committed to preserving and replacing trees along the Central Connector route.
To widen the road and create
dedicated bus lanes, 41 trees will need to be removed on Anzac Avenue and Park
Road. Where possible trees will be relocated or replanted.
In total, 80 new trees will be
added to the 162 already existing on the Central Connector route.
