Extraordinary meeting to decide Grey St T-intersection safety changes

The T-intersection between Grey St and Kahutia St will be reinstated if Gisborne district councillors adopt a recommended option designed to overcome safety concerns with the Streets for People trial concerning Grey St. Photo / Liam Clayton

A safety-influenced T-intersection will be reinstated to the controversial Streets for People trial concerning Grey St if Gisborne district councillors adopt the recommended option at an extraordinary meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

The staff report prepared for councillors states safety audits, traffic analysis and community feedback had highlighted “unintended” safety issues.

Closure of the Grey St-Kahutia St intersection had led to drivers performing illegal about-turns across cyclist lanes and pedestrian crossings.

The lack of physical barriers had allowed illegal movements, while the complexity of movements had increased confusion and led to more hazardous behaviours.

Drivers had been seen driving through the cycleway and parking on pedestrian and artwork areas.

The complexity of some signs, including having four signs on the same pole, made it difficult for drivers to process the information, the report said.

Other (non-recommended) options for councillors to consider are:

• Take no action and allow the Grey St trial to continue.
• Implement safety measures to prevent illegal about-turns.
• Install a temporary roundabout at an estimated cost of $97,000.

The report states the recommended T-intersection on Grey St and Kahutia St would create a more predictable environment for all users, “particularly cyclists and pedestrians”, and moderate traffic speeds on Kahutia St.

Stop controls and proposed new raised features would curb excessive speeds, while a roundabout could unintentionally increase speeds or result in a minimal slowdown of speed.

Reverting to the previous T-intersection would be better suited for moderate traffic flow entering from the side street and provide straightforward right-of-way rules.

The report said a full costing had not yet been determined, but the installation of signs, road markings and a raised crossing would be more cost-effective than a roundabout.

The funding would be available within the existing Streets for People project budget.

Installation of the T-intersection would begin in November if approved by councillors on Wednesday.

The report said “reopening the intersection would mean there is more interactions between vehicle traffic and the least protected cyclist and pedestrians”.

“In practice, safety will always be dependent on the actual road users acting safely and obeying rules.”