Safety improvements to be progressed on Poplar and Leinster Avenues

Work commenced this week to establish a right-turn bay on Poplar Avenue for traffic turning into Leinster Avenue from the east.

Infrastructure Services Group Manager Sean Mallon says the right-turn bay forms part of a series of safety improvements and traffic calming measures that are being implemented on Poplar Avenue.

“The improvements we’re making aim to make it safer and easier for vehicles to turn into Leinster Avenue and for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Leinster Avenue and connect with the southern-end of the Mackays to Peka Peka Cycleway, Walkway and Bridleway.”

The work involves removing power poles on the south-side of Poplar Avenue opposite Leinster Avenue and moving the kerb line southwards to make space on the road for the right turn bay. Pram ramps and a pedestrian island will be established on Leinster Avenue to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and accessibility.

Mr Mallon says work to establish a raised pedestrian crossing on Poplar Ave outside the Raumati Social Club and Gatsby Tapas is also in the pipeline.

“This will help create a slow zone through the Raumati South Village and will make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road and connect with the shared path on the north side of Poplar Avenue.”

The Council is also actively considering reducing the speed limit on Poplar Avenue between Renown Road and Matai Road.

“Poplar Avenue has been identified as a hot spot by the Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board and will be considered as part of the Council’s district-wide speed limit review,” said Mr Mallon.

The Poplar Avenue improvements, including the footpath upgrades between Matai and Glen Roads, have been endorsed by the Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board and are being delivered through the Council’s Stride ‘n’ Ride Kāpiti Coast initiative.