In fact it has been for a little while now. As some readers are aware, the problem is that the two arms of the “Y” have similar traffic volumes, but the present layout treats the Rauparaha Street arm as the main route, when in fact the Te Moana Road arm has a somewhat greater volume of cars. Those heading east (from the beach) along the Te Moana Road arm have to give way via a stop sign at the intersection to those heading west along Rauparaha Street.
However, there is more potential for increased volume in the Rauparaha Street arm — unless the full Peka Peka interchange with the Expressway is built. Until 2017, people headed north for Peka Peka Beach could turn left off SH1 down Peka Peka Road — they can’t do so from the Expressway, which forces them to turn off the ‘Ewy’ at Te Moana Road, head west along Rauparaha Street as far as Huiawa Street where they turn north again.
The National Party has stated its intention to build the Peka Peka interchange if elected, but there is no such statement from the Labour Party; it was one of the previous National Government’s projects that it cancelled after September 2017.
The options for the council on what to do about the Te Moana Road/Rauparaha Street intersection have resulted in division in both the Waikanae Beach Residents Society and the WCB. There may be a public presentation about it at the next WCB meeting on 11 August — watch this space.
Hi Geoff
Going East – it is actually a compulsory stop sign at the intersection on Te Moana Rd rather than a give way.
Whilst your comment around a ‘division’ within the WCB around options is absolutely true- unsure of the wisdom of sharing that..
M
None of the three options including the status quo are good ones. It may come down to letting a clear demonstration of which is safest and most cost effective decide it. That is the council staff stance. –Geoff
As a cyclist this is a particularly perilous corner as I am normally cycling straight through, so not indicating to turn left to continue on Te Moana road. And continue following the main road as road markings and and rode code rules determine. I have been nearly been wiped out several times by cars overtaking me on the corner and then turning left cutting me off as they turn in to Te Moana road..
So now I play it safe and cycle down Te Moana and turn right into Ono Street. Not the most direct route for me but I live to cycle another day! 😄
What a shame you have to do that. As a cyclist you should be provided with a road that is fit for purpose for cyclists as one of many users permitted to use the road. I remain hopeful that a final design provides current good practice for inclusion of all road users, and not just safety for vehicles.