Innovating streets at The Mount

A trial will allow residents, visitors and businesses to experience the proposed changes in real-life while keeping flexibility to fine-tune elements of the trial during its lifespan, such as the effects on traffic and parking. 

We have identified four popular routes where we could trial improvements to the street layout. The final routes will be determined in collaboration with the community.

Parts of the trial could include separating different modes of travel or slowing traffic. For example with chicanes, narrowing the carriageway, street decorations, signage and altering parking layouts. We also have a chance to explore how we can make the area even more attractive for locals and visitors. This could be achieved by using different surfacing and by adding seating and play opportunities.

During and after the trial, working with the community, Council will assess the success of the project to determine whether any of the temporary changes should become permanent.

• In The Mount there are large numbers of people in cars, on bikes, on foot, on mobility scooters and other modes of transport sharing a limited road space. We want people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and confident travelling in this area.
• We need to increase the opportunities for safe active travel, which is good for our health and the environment. 
• The COVID-19 lockdown showed us that there was a huge suppressed demand for activities such as biking and scootering that was realised when traffic volumes decreased, and people felt safer on our streets.
• The popularity and the population pressures at The Mount are only likely to increase. We need to explore new ways of doing things to accommodate more people.
• Traffic accidents are occurring with cyclists and pedestrians along key routes.  The number is not substantial, probably because of the slow vehicle speeds. However, with an expected increase in the numbers of people on foot and on other active travel vehicles, the accident risk is likely to increase, at which point, significant action may be required. We want to consider ways of avoiding that situation.
• The Tay Street intersection area in particular has a history of safety challenges, which will need to be addressed in the near-term, and the trials give us the opportunity to evaluate solutions at minimal cost.

In the video below you can see what Tauranga’s transport challenges are and what we could do to create neighbourhoods where it is easier and safer to move around.

We have $1,000,000 available for this project. Waka Kotahi’s ‘Innovating Streets pilot fund’ will cover 90% of the project costs while TCC will fund 10%.

Currently, we hope to install a trial in March 2021 (i.e. no works will be undertaken over the December 2020 to January 2021 holiday period). Due to funding by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, any works involved in Innovating Streets at The Mount are to be completed by 30 June 2021.

Our high-level timeframe is outlined below but may change as a result of community feedback. The final timeline will be confirmed with the public during the design process.