Alternative Plan for Birkenhead Ave T3 Revealed
Auckland Transport recently gathered feedback on creating a new T3 lane on Birkenhead Ave, that will not connect with the T3 on Onewa Rd, and would force all vehicles to merge into one lane before turning the corner. Obviously this would cause congestion as buses and cars merge to turn the corner, but also increase congestion for vehicles heading straight into Highbury and turning right into Highbury Bypass.
I can now reveal that Auckland Transport had the option of going with a better plan, but after an internal AT workshop in September 2018, they decided not include it in the consultation. It is called the "Long Term Option" and was detailed in a document called "Birkenhead Avenue Southbound T3 Lane Options Analysis" by AECOM New Zealand Ltd in November 2018, alongside the "Short Term Option" plan that AT chose to put out for consultation.
In fact, in the "Long Term Option", there are 4 different variations, each reconfiguring the intersection in different ways, but all ensuring that both the T3 lane and general lane turn the corner separately.
What does the report say about the "Short Term Option" that went out for consultation? "The introduction of the bus lane [sic] is expected to result in some dis-benefits to general southbound traffic on Birkenhead Avenue. Queues for right turning and through movement could increase on the Birkenhead southbound approach to the Onewa intersection."
Why the "Short Term Option" was ever considered, I don't know. AT should have gone straight for the reconfiguration, or left it alone.
Coincidentally, last month the Kaipatiki Local Board gave conditional support to a T3 lane on Birkenhead Ave, subject to AT changing the Onewa Rd intersection to allow the T3 lane and general vehicle lanes to continue onto Onewa Rd as separate lanes (see attached resolution). This is in line with the "Long Term Option" that we did not know about at the time.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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