Medallion Drive link is ready to open Medallion Drive link is ready to open

Children from Oteha Valley School made the first official crossing of the new bridge on Medallion Drive – ahead of the road opening to the public tonight.

The new bridge, and 200 metre road, provides a more direct connection between Fairview Avenue and Oteha Valley Road, via Medallion Drive.

Extending Medallion Drive allows vehicles, people on bikes, and pedestrians to move safely and efficiently around the area and will improve access between the residential community, public transport, schools, the retail precinct and the future designated growth area north of Oteha Valley Road.

Rose Neal, principal of Oteha Valley School, is excited about the new bridge and believes it will improve safety for children getting to-and-from school.

“We have been fighting for years to get a safe crossing for our children to help reduce traffic around our school. Many of our children live on the other side of Oteha Valley Road and, up until now, there has been no safe way for them to cross over Oteha Valley Road to get to school,” says Ms Neal.

“I am looking forward to seeing many more children walking, and riding bikes and scooters to school, now there are traffic lights to help them cross over the road safely.”

The local board is also pleased to see the long-awaited connection. 

Chairperson of the Upper Harbour Local Board, Lisa Whyte, agrees that the connection will improve safety for families walking to school.

“This road and new crossings will make a huge difference for families who can now safely walk their children to school across a busy arterial road.”

Ms Whyte sees the potential of Fairview Avenue’s more direct connection to Oteha Valley Road - for pedestrians and people on bikes to access local shops, cafes, and the bus station.

“It provides the opportunity to have a choice other than driving, and it’s great to see it finally open.”