An intersection in Auckland dubbed "crash corner" by locals, is no longer, with a new roundabout opening today.
The corner of Church Street and Victoria Street in Onehunga was rated one of the top high-risk intersections in Auckland, with six accidents in one week alone last year.
The roundabout wasn’t set to have work start on it until July, but locals protested for more urgent change.
MP for Maungakiekie Denise Lee says it’s a massive win for Onehunga residents and commuters, and that it will save lives.
“Following 15 months of advocacy and calling on Auckland Transport to immediately improve this corner, I’m pleased we’ve reached the finish line. The community have long been calling for action and with our lobbying, we were able to fast-track construction by over two years”, Ms Lee said.
She says heavy-freight trucks use the area’s local suburban roads as thoroughfares, with “inaction” on the East West Link.
“While I hope neighbouring residents no longer fear that a fatality could occur outside their home, Onehunga’s transport problems spread further than this one intersection.
The East West Link, estimated to cost up to $1.85 billion, is one of a number of projects currently being reviewed by NZTA.
Locals will be celebrating the long awaited roundabout with a street party on Sunday night.
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