Selwyn St in Onehunga is being resealed during the night. Photo / Michael Craig
Selwyn St in Onehunga is being resealed during the night. Photo / Michael Craig
An Onehunga couple have experienced earthquake-like vibrations and sleepless nights from roadworks between the hours of 7pm and 6am.
Geoff Gaillard and his wife, Janine, have been kept awake at night by the sound of jackhammers digging up Selwyn St, trucks coming and going at 3am and workersshouting at each over the noise.
"You get off to sleep and the next thing you know, a truck comes into Harbour View Tce with its strobe lights flashing through your window," Geoff Gaillard said.
For several weeks, AT has been resealing a number of roads in Onehunga overnight, including outside Onehunga Primary School on Arthur St over two nights and the road on Onehunga Mall between Nielson St and Onehunga Bridge Rd over five nights.
Last night, work began on a section of Selwyn St between Arthur St and Princes St. The work is due to be completed on Thursday night.
Gaillard said it was irresponsible of the Auckland Council to allow the work when it impacts on people's sleep and does not take into consideration laws about public health and safety or basic human rights.
Harbour View Cottage in Onehunga. Photo / Michael Craig
The couple, who run a bed and breakfast cottage in Harbour View Tce overlooking the roadworks, said the noise has also kept guests awake at night.
"Our number one concern is why are they doing this at the most unsociable hours," Gaillard said.
"People need to sleep. Our house was shaking last night with the equipment they were using," he said.
An AT spokesman said a number of factors are considered when making the decision to work at night on busy roads like Selwyn St.
"These include the impact on residents, the impact of day-time traffic flows versus night traffic flows, the safety of the public and work crews, the impact on bus services and adjacent retail areas, and in the case of Selwyn St, local schools," said the spokesman.
A notification letter sent to residents, said AT's maintenance contractor, Liveable Streets, will take all necessary steps to minimise disruption and warned of construction noise.
"Auckland Transport and Liveable Streets will ensure these essential maintenance activities will be completed as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience and understanding," the letter said.
