TRAFFIC ISLAND

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 21, 15 October 1985, Page 2

TRAFFIC ISLAND

Dear Sir, If you have ever tried to go downtown via Shannon and Goldfinch Streets at peak traffic times when skiers are coming off the mountain, you will, I am sure, have an idea of the trouble that a driver has to clear the temporary island and negotiate a left turn to continue down Goldfinch Street. The new island there, is worse, if that is possible, than the old one. The first island the council placed there was hit many times by cars unable to negotiate it. The second island now takes the turning vehicle right into the path of cars travelling from Mangawhero Terrace into Goldfinch Street. Vehicles turning right from Goldfinch Street into Shannon Street have difficulties too as the curb on that side has taken a few knocks from drivers finding the corner too tight to swing into easily. An alternative may be to bring the island away from the curb, make the left hand turn free and therefore vehicles merging into the traffic from Mangawhero Terrace would be away from the corner. This would give traffic turning into Shannon Street from Goldfinch far more manoeuvrability.

It is obvious that this problem needs a lot of thought and consideration before any permanent measures are taken. There is no hurry to find a remedy so please take the time to find a practicable and workable one for all concerned. One local garage proprietor has been quoted as saying that the island will be good for the towing business. Concerned Drivers of Ohakune (62 signatures) Mayor of Ohakune, Bill Taylor, replies "I commend the letter for the concern it shows about the area. The present island is temporary and various ideas are being tried out at the corner to see which one works best. The council has also taken advice from a Ministry of Works engineer. "