Hamiltonians still have a chance to have their say on the proposed connections between Hamilton city and the final section of the Waikato Expressway.
The proposed plan is to connect the city to the expressway, which would see Resolution Dr extended to meet and cross the new section of expressway to link with Horsham Downs Rd.
The Transport Agency is also proposing to stop Osborne Rd on either side of the expressway, rather than provide an overbridge, and provide alternative walking and cycling connections.
Osborne Rd resident Tony Kirton spoke to council's Strategy and Policy meeting last week about safety issues on Kay Rd, which connects to Osborne Rd and the proposed extension of Resolution Dr.
"If you want a terrifying, death defying experience, take a walk or cycle on Kay Rd.
"You will experience, at least half a dozen times, the thrill of having a 20-tonne truck appear over the brow of a hill at 80kmh giving you barely enough time to scramble into the long grass and blackberry bushes. Or try driving the T intersection with Osborne Rd and play chicken with cars and trucks travelling westward, who appear less than 50m away as you're about to turn right."
Mr Kirton asked council to ensure quality walking and cycling facilities and make Kay Rd safer, as well as have a south-bound access on the interchange constructed at the same time as the north.
Currently, NZTA have only agreed to complete north-bound ramps. Walking and cycling facilities on Kay Rd have not been proposed as part of the project.
Consideration is being given to walking and cycling routes on Reynolds Rd, which is off Osborne Rd, and Resolution Dr, in consultation with the Horsham Downs community.
Council staff were to meet with Mr Kirton this week to view the area in question firsthand.
Horsham Downs School is calling to have the Osborne Rd overbridge, but failing that, at least a foot/cycling bridge.
The school put a message on their Facebook page: "Safe cycling links need to be installed so that students can access the school from the city and from Osborne Rd/Reynolds Rd without needing to cross complex intersections and without needing to be on Horsham Downs Rd or cross the busy car parking and drop off areas."
The Resolution Dr extension will include walking and cycling links and a roundabout connection at the intersection of Kay Rd and Resolution Dr.
NZTA's Waikato Highway manager Kaye Clark said this section of the expressway would deliver growth and economic development to Hamilton's door.
She said as part of this work it is proposed to stop Osborne Rd on either side of the expressway and provide alternative walking and cycling connections in consultation with the Horsham Downs community.
"We've worked hard to make sure that the expressway connects to the local road network in a way that supports this planned growth and development while also keeping our communities linked."
Hamilton City Council general manager city infrastructure Chris Allen said the expressway was a strategic project for the region and the city.
"This project will provide outstanding transport links for our region, leading to a stronger economy.
"The council is pleased that the Transport Agency is working with us to align the timing of Resolution Dr."
Ms Clark said, "We'd like to encourage as many people as possible to attend this information day to learn more about the project and give their feedback.
"People can stop in at any time during the day and speak with Transport Agency staff, engineers and planners."
The plan is still open for discussion and an open day will be held on April 23, from 2pm until 7pm.
"We'd like to encourage as many people as possible to attend this information day to see our plans, learn more about the project and give their feedback."
The $972 million Hamilton section is expected to be underway by the end of the year after the Transport Agency board approved funding earlier this month.
Work will begin on the section of the expressway this year.
- To find out more about the Hamilton section visit nzta.govt.nz/projects/hamilton/