An east Auckland elected representative says she’s heard from residents concerned about the “overkill” of road works and orange cones in the local community and the impact it’s having on traffic congestion.
Howick ward councillor Sharon Stewart is speaking out on the issue after Eastern Beach resident Alex Simich told the Times last month he couldn’t understand why Vivian Wilson Drive was being resurfaced when to his eyes it looked to be in perfect condition already.
“It’s a mess [now] but it was good, it was 100 per cent before they started,” Simich said at the time.
“They ripped the road up. What you see [with the new seal laid] is exactly the way it was, only black.
“It’s a waste of money and you see it happening everywhere.”
In response to Simich’s comments, Auckland Transport (AT) spokesman Mark Hannan said a short section of Vivian Wilson Drive from Bucklands Beach Road to Aylmer Court was included in AT’s 2021-21 resurfacing programme.
The section had been examined by the organisation’s engineers and the work was needed to keep the surface waterproof and to maintain good skid resistance.
AT’s budget for resurfacing works in the Howick Local Board area for the 2020-21 financial year is $3.8 million, Hannan said.
“We can assure residents AT endeavours to maintain the road network to the appropriate standards and in the most cost-effective manner for residents and ratepayers.”
The Times asked Stewart and her fellow Howick ward councillor Paul Young if they have concerns about ratepayers’ money being spent on road repairs or resurfacing in east Auckland.
Stewart says locals have contacted her to share their views about what they describe as the “overkill” of such work.
Road maintenance is important for the community’s mobility and to ensure safety for pedestrians and motorists, she says.
“In this difficult time, however, when we have an [Auckland Council’s] emergency budget, it is imperative Auckland Transport prioritises which road maintenance they undertake due to cost-saving measures.
“Communication of road works early to the community will also help to alleviate any concerns residents in the area have and will help them to plan their journeys accordingly.
“If there are concerns from the community with road resurfacing on roads that appear to be in good condition, the community should contact their nearest local board or council-elected member to find out more information.”
According to AT, road resurfacing and maintenance is scheduled to be carried out or has recently been completed on, numerous local roads.
Among those being resurfaced are Middlefield Drive, Dannemora, Minerva Terrace, Howick, and Westview Court, Somerville.
Those having maintenance work carried out are Amon Avenue and Barcaldine Road, and Maghera Drive, Dannemora, and Paparoa Road, Picton Street, and Water Macdonald Street, Howick.
