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Transport upgrades are moving ahead full throttle as Franklin grows, especially around Papakura and Takanini. However, pedestrians should not be lost in the shuffle of such sweeping changes, as Isaac Broome opines in this open letter.
I am writing with regards to the proposed new rail overbridges to replace level crossings in the Takanini area.
I would like to request that a new pedestrian footbridge be built between Glenora Road and Raupo Street, next to the Takanini Library and Community Hub.
[This would link] new residential areas with retail areas on either side of the railway line.
With the recent revision to the Takanini level crossing removal project, with the (sensible) decision not to proceed with the pedestrian bridge on Spartan Road, a bridge should be built on Glenora Road instead.
It would be well used by pedestrians and encourage people to walk between the new housing estates on the eastern side of the railway line, to the supermarket and retail outlets, and bus services on Great South Road.
A new railway station also needs be built on Walters Road midway between Takanini and Papakura Stations in conjunction with the grade separation of Walters Road.
This will provide better access to train services in this ideal location next to the Southgate and Takanini Village shopping centres.
There has been considerable residential development along the length of Walters Road and a station here would be very well used being within easy walking distance of all these new subdivisions, as well as Longford Park (retirement) Village, Bruce Pullman Park and Papakura Normal School.
If the AT level crossing project team and Auckland Council could consider these requests in conjunction with the Takanini level crossing removal project, it will help make walking and
using trains easier and more appealing.
Isaac Broome.
