Wednesday 21 July 2010

Balclutha Traffic Strategy Consultation - first step towards main street upgrade

Clutha District Council is inviting the public to comment on how traffic should pass through Balclutha; the first step in what will be a thorough consultation process on the future Balclutha main street upgrade.

Public feedback through last year’s Long Term Plan consultation process identified a strong desire to improve the appearance of the Balclutha main street. As such, Council included a budget of $2 million in its Long Term Plan for a main street upgrade to take place in the 2011/12 financial year.

Council Chief Executive Charles Hakkaart said that before any upgrade could take place however, Council first needs to decide on how heavy traffic and State Highway traffic will flow through Balclutha in future, so that the main street upgrade can be designed accordingly.

Currently, State Highway 1 passes through Balclutha’s town centre on Clyde Street and heavy traffic uses two bypass routes.

Council’s ability to carry out any improvements to Clyde Street is limited because of the State Highway designation. Any alterations to State Highway must be approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

The recently released Balclutha Traffic Strategy Consultation Document sets out seven options for the future positioning of the State Highway and heavy traffic bypasses, outlining the costs and advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Mr Hakkaart said that while some work and consultation had been undertaken on this issue several years ago, Council has made no decisions on which option it prefers.

“Following this initial round of consultation, it is intended that the options for future traffic flows will be reduced to two to four for further research and consultation before a final decision is made,” he said.

“Council realises that this issue is likely to be of significant public interest, particularly for the residents and businesses of the various routes identified. It is therefore important that the consultation process is thorough so that an informed decision can be made.”

The Balclutha Traffic Management Strategy Consultation Document, as well as submission forms, are available online at www.cluthadc.govt.nz/balcluthatraffic.htm or on request from Council.

Submissions to this first round of consultation close on Monday 16 August.

ENDS