Safer link to school for Drury children

14/10/2020 03:44 am

Following public feedback in September, Auckland Transport (AT) will install a new footbridge to the busy Slippery Creek Bridge in Drury.

Many children walk or cycle in the area, and AT wants to ensure that they get to and from school safely.
The changes will include a new clip-on footbridge to the western side of Slippery Creek Bridge and a new footpath linking to the footbridge.

A clip-on footbridge joins to the side of an existing bridge and is not a standalone bridge.

To provide space for the new footpath and greater visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, a bush will be removed from the berm outside Slippery Creek Reserve.

Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says the community agreed with AT’s proposal as safety for children walking to Drury School is really important.

"We know that there are currently no pedestrian facilities on the western side of the bridge and due to the ongoing housing developments, there is an increasing demand for pedestrian facilities.

"This will improve safety for people, particularly our local children, by providing a safe link to nearby schools."

AT consulted with the public from 8 to 22 September and received 50 responses. Drury School also showed support via the submissions process.

Auckland Transport's group manager of network management Randhir Karma says an overwhelming 96 per cent of respondents supported the proposal, noting how dangerous it was to cross Great South Road.

"The changes will benefit the community by providing a safe place for people to walk, particularly school children. The footbridge will be 3m wide which will be used as a shared path for both pedestrians and cyclists."

Once the budget is confirmed, the proposal will proceed to the next stage of detailed planning before being constructed.

Read a summary of consultation feedback and AT responses to community questions.