Waikanae East to benefit from emergency vehicle access crossing

A gated emergency vehicle only access crossing will be established across the railway line in Waikanae to ensure access to Waikanae East is retained in the event of the Elizabeth Street level crossing being obstructed.

The construction of the emergency vehicle only access crossing was approved by the Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Operations and Finance Committee on 6 July 2017 as part of the Council’s 2018/19 long term plan programme.

Waikanae Community Board Chair Jocelyn Prvanov says the decision follows concerns raised by the Board over a number of years about emergency response vehicles not being able to reach Waikanae East residents if access to Elizabeth Street is blocked.

“While it is very unlikely that access to Elizabeth Street would be completely blocked the potential consequences of emergency services not being able to get through is high so we welcome the Committee’s decision to prioritise an alternative access route,” Ms Prvanov said.

The gated emergency vehicle only point will be established approximately 60 metres north of the Waikanae River Bridge. The gated access will cross the railway line and provide a safe passage for emergency vehicles through the Goodmans Yard onto Anne Street and Elizabeth Street.

The gated access won’t impact road users or the current road layout as it will be purposefully constructed for emergency vehicles only.

Waikanae Ward Councillor Michael Scott says he is pleased the Council has been able to gain land owner approval to establish emergency access route through Goodmans yard.

“Over a typical 24 hour period during the week around 80 passenger trains and 16 freight trains pass over the Elizabeth Street level crossing. The decision to construct the emergency vehicle only access crossing is of critical importance to residents in Eastern Waikanae,” the Councillor said.