Omahu Road Corridor upgrade
Omahu Road is a key link within the Hastings roading network. It forms part of the principal North Western “gateway” to and from Hastings, and is a key part of the southeast – northwest road network. The existing road surface on Omahu Road is uneven and in need of repair.
Additionally, it is anticipated that traffic volumes along the road from proposed developments in the area will change the traffic patterns along Omahu Road. The road has therefore been identified for upgrade by the Hastings District Council.
Key features of the project
Artist's impression of Omahu Road roundabout
- A 4.0 km length of Omahu Road will be reconstructed.
- The upgrade will extend from the Pakowhai Road/Maraekakaho Road intersection to the intersection with Jarvis Road.
- Footpaths, cycle ways and parking will be provided on both sides of the road, for the full length of the upgrade.
- A flush median strip will be provided in the centre of the road, to assist turning traffic.
- There will be upgrades to intersections including 3 new roundabouts.
- Hapuka Street Intersection changed to left-turn-in / left-turn-out only
Key benefits of the project
- A safer more efficient road network for the area.
- New and improved pedestrian and cycle facilities.
- Clear delineation between parking, cycle lanes, traffic lanes and turning areas.
- Regular bus stops to promote the use of public transport.
- Landscaping to tie in with the planting already established between SH50 and Kirkwood Road .
- Provide an aesthetically pleasing “Entrance”to Hastings.
Plan of Omahu Road
- Download the full plan in PDF format (PDF 4.2MB)
or view in sections below
Other illustrations
Artist's impression of Omahu Road with painted median
Artist's impression of Omahu Road with raised (landscaped) median
(limited areas only - see main plan above)
Cross section of Omahu Road
Feedback
We are interested to hear your views on this project. You can download a feedback form below, which you can print out and mail to us, or send us an email. Please provide your name, phone number and address details.
We would like to hear whether you support the project proposals or not, with reasons for your view, and the aspects that you are interested in from the list below:
- Intersections
- Roundabouts
- Landscaping
- Street Lighting
- Power Lines
- Footpaths
- Cycleways
- Access to properties
- Signage
- Other
- Download feedback form (PDF 162kB)
- Email omahuroad@mwhglobal.com
How can I find out more?
Public Liaison Officer
MWH NZ Ltd (Consultants for Council)
PO Box 1190
HASTINGS
Phone: 06 873 8900
Fax: 06 873 8901
Email: omahuroad@mwhglobal.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the programme?
Consultation on the concept plan has commenced and will run through until the end of September 2007. There will be ongoing consultation with affected parties throughout the life of the project.
It is anticipated that re-construction of the road will be carried out in two stages. Stage one, starting at Stortford Lodge, is due to commence in Autumn 2008 followed by stage two which is currently programmed to start in 2009 with completion prior to Winter 2010.
Why is a dual carriageway not proposed as part of the upgrade?
Modelling of existing traffic flows and estimated future growth has determined that a single lane for traffic in each direction is sufficient and provides the required capacity. The traffic modelling has taken into account the effect of other potential major roading projects including the proposed State Highway (SH50A) southern expressway extension and Northern Arterial Route (expressway to Napier Road).
A single lane carriageway suits the current and future usage of the road, which includes residential, commercial and industrial activity and also provides space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Does the upgrade include Stortford Lodge Roundabout?
The upgrade of the Stortford Lodge Roundabout intersection is not being considered as part of this project; however, following further urban transportation modelling, it may be upgraded in the future.
Does the upgrade include the Expressway Roundabout?
The Expressway Roundabout forms part of SH50A and is managed by Transit NZ, not Hastings District Council. Council is currently in discussions with Transit regarding the existing pedestrian and cyclist crossings at this roundabout.
What is the speed limit along Omahu Road? Will it change?
The current speed limit between Stortford Lodge roundabout and just beyond Chatham Road is 50km/hr with a 70km/hr speed limit beyond that; there are no plans to alter this speed limit. It should be noted that speed limits are subject to Land Transport New Zealand criteria, the purpose of which is to provide a consistent approach to the setting of speed limits across the Country.
Will the overhead power lines along Omahu Road be placed underground?
Council are currently discussing the undergrounding of power lines on Omahu Road with Unison. However, the existing cables and poles are not at the end of their life, which means that Council would have to contribute over 75% of the costs associated with the undergrounding works. Based on current estimates, this equates to over $1.5 million, which cannot be economically justified. To summarise, undergrounding on Omahu Road is unlikely to happen as part of this project.
Will there be improved drainage?
There are no plans to make major changes to the existing drainage system on Omahu Road between the Stortford Lodge roundabout and the Wilson Road/Oak Avenue intersection. However, the section between Wilson Road/Oak Avenue intersection and Jarvis Road will have kerb and channel and a piped stormwater system fronting the proposed industrial expansion. On the section fronting the existing industrial side, improvements will be made to reduce the ponding of water during heavy rainfall events.
What will the road be surfaced with?
The road surface will be sealed with a chip seal, except at major intersections, where smoother asphaltic concrete will be used due to higher stresses on the road surface in these locations. The current plan is to place a smoother asphaltic concrete surface on the remainder of the road between the intersections, within 2 – 3 years following completion of the chip seal. This will allow sufficient time for the potential settlement of deep trenches.
Will all of the kerb, channel and footpath be replaced?
The kerb, channel and footpath will be upgraded at each intersection. Renewals will also be made to sections along the road corridor where the condition of the existing kerb, channel and footpath is poor. Where kerb, channel and footpath are in good condition, they will not be replaced.
How will the cycle lanes be marked?
The cycle lanes will be marked using standard line markings including cycle symbols at intervals along the cycle lanes. At some intersections, cyclists will be directed off the road onto shared cycleway/footpaths for safety reasons. The shared cycleway/footpaths will be clearly marked for dual use. The proposed cycle lanes on Omahu Road will be the widest in the District, measuring 2 metres across.
Will the cycle lanes be painted green?
There are currently no plans to paint the cycle lanes green, due to the relatively high cost. A new green surface treatment is currently under trial on Heretaunga Street East and its effectiveness and durability will be monitored during the next 3 years.
Will there be changes to street lighting?
Current lighting levels will be assessed along the length of Omahu Road as part of the detailed design and it is expected that upgrades will be undertaken at intersections and in some other localised areas.
Who else is being consulted on this project?
The consultation for this project is extensive and includes the following organisations and groups:
- Hawkes Bay Hospital
- Transit New Zealand
- Hawkes Bay Regional Council
- Police
- Cycling Advocacy Groups
- Local schools
- Local residents
- Local business owners
- Council staff and elected members
- Utility services owners (power, gas, telephone)
- Bus company
Are pedestrians being considered as part of this project?
Yes, pedestrian needs are being taken into consideration and we welcome views on the existing pedestrian facilities, particularly the crossing points. Additional pedestrian crossing points will be provided at the new roundabouts.
Will parking areas be affected by this project?
Yes, parking areas will be affected by the proposed upgrade. Currently many Omahu Road intersection sight lines do not meet New Zealand design standards due to the proximity of parked vehicles at intersections. The Government’s road safety target is to reduce the number of deaths on New Zealand roads to below 300 by 2010. Hastings District Council has a duty to contribute towards this target and is proactively introducing initiatives to play its part in reducing trauma on roads in the district.
Why have Council contractors been working in Omahu Road for such a long time?
The Council water services section has been working on the separation of domestic and industrial sewage in the Omahu industrial area to meet new standards for treatment. This has required the construction of a separate pipe system to receive the industrial waste and major alterations which has been extremely difficult and time consuming. This work is scheduled to be completed by November 2007.
Will other undergound services be renewed as part of this project?
Yes, Council have co-ordinated underground renewals with the roading works to minimise the disruption to businesses and residents. Underground services works will be completed prior to the roading works.
Who should I speak to about this project if I am concerned?
If you have any specific concerns or questions about this project and you would like to discuss them in detail, please contact the following:
Public Liaison Officer
MWH NZ Ltd (Consultants for Council)
PO Box 1190
HASTINGS
Phone: 06 873 8900
Fax: 06 873 8901
Email: omahuroad@mwhglobal.com
