Vaughans Road Upgrade - Call to Action - Sep 2023 - Long Bay Residents Association

Vaughans Road Closure: Seeking Community Input and Action!

Your Voice Matters – Make a Difference for Long Bay

Dear Long Bay and surrounding Communities,

In recent developments, Auckland Transport (AT) has proposed a “temporary” closure of Vaughans Road, raising concerns and questions among surrounding residents. We believe it’s crucial to keep our community informed and engaged in shaping the future of our neighbourhood. Here’s a summary of the situation and what you can do to make your voice heard.

Background

Auckland Transport held an information evening with Long Bay and surrounding residents on Monday, 4th September 2023 following a similar event in Okura on Wednesday, 16th August, to share plans for the temporary closure at 189 Vaughans Road, spanning an estimated 18-24 months. The implementation of the closure aligns with the completion of the Long Bay/Te Oneroa Way works by Templeton Group and certification by Auckland Council, which is expected any time soon.

The primary focus of this closure is to address safety concerns related to Vaughans Road’s current state, width, and location, as well as safety issues at the Okura River Road intersection. AT predicts a substantial increase in traffic if the road opens to traffic from Long Bay.

An options paper “Severing Vaughans Road” (ref 1.) was presented to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board on 18th July 2023 stating that “Vaughans Road was neither identified or funded for an upgrade”, with Option 2 of the seven presented being recommended as the preferred “Temporary Closure” option.

However, since at least the early 2000’s, Vaughans Road had been mooted as one of 4 connections from the Long Bay Structure Plan (LBSP) area (ref 2.), which also includes specifications on the proposed roads hence necessitating upgrades. The Environment Court ruling in 2008 Decision A078/2008 also refers to these (ref 3.).

The four connections are:

Vaughans Road
Glenvar Road (formerly Valley Road/Glenvar Road)
Ashley Avenue
Beach Road (extension)

From 2010, the North Shore City Council prompted for feedback on the Vaughans upgrade, as described in a Stuff article (ref 4.):

The upgrade for Vaughans Rd include widening to provide consistent and adequate lane widths plus a wide pedestrian footpath on one side for the entire route.

The footpath could also be used by cyclists.

Upgrade plans for Okura River Rd feature road widening, future-proofing bus use and a pedestrian footpath on one side from East Coast Rd to the intersection with Vaughans Rd.

Detailed upgrade plans were created (ref 5.), consultation was undertaken from 17 October 2012 to 12 November 2012, and the budget was allocated from the Auckland Council Long Term Plan (LTP) (ref 6.), anecdotally estimated to cost $15 million.

Temporary Closure Details

The closure will involve implementing various measures, including wooden and steel bollards, both fixed and retractable for emergency access. Additionally, turning bays will be created on either side, using temporary materials.

AT has also committed to minor visibility improvements at the Okura River Road/Vaughans Road intersection. They anticipate the closure to last for 18-24 months and plan to seek $1.5 – $2 million funding for “localised widening” of Vaughans Road.

What Does This Mean for Long Bay Residents?

· No vehicular access beyond number 189 Vaughans Road from the Long Bay/Te Oneroa Way side.

· No immediate commitment to a major Vaughans Road upgrade, with the funding deadline in the Regional Land Transport Plan 2024 – 2027 drawing near.

· Considerable resources allocated for temporary measures.

· An anticipated surge in “boy racer” traffic, attributed to the accessibility of Piripiri Point via Te Oneroa Way.

· The documented four accesses to Long Bay are not provided for, and especially problematic given the current Glenvar Road situation.

· Implications for emergency access and Resilience Plans during the closure period.

What is the preferred long term outcome?

Ideally the major Okura / Vaughans Road Upgrade as planned per 2012 would be approved and budgeted as part of the Regional Long Term Plan (RLTP) 2024-2027, with any work undertaken in the meantime working towards this goal.

Community Action

Long Bay residents are being called to take the opportunity to advocate and provide feedback on this matter, and we’re determined to ensure that happens. Here’s what you can do:

· Share Your Feedback: Email your thoughts to ATEngagement@at.govt.nz with “Vaughans Road” in the subject line and cc longbayra@gmail.com.

· Advocate for Your Community: Share your views with us at longbayra@gmail.com, so we can represent your concerns.

· Join the Conversation: Become a formal member of the Long Bay Residents’ Association and join the Long Bay Community Facebook Group.

· Support us in a Submission to AT: The Long Bay Residents’ Association and supporting organisations are planning a submission to put the Okura/Vaughans Road Upgrade back on track!

Our community’s unity and involvement are essential as we navigate this situation together. Let’s work collaboratively to ensure our voices are heard and our neighbourhood remains vibrant and accessible for all.