Streetscape changes for Carlyle

Published: 5 December 2023

Last Updated: 7 December 2023

A new roundabout and a raised crossing are among temporary changes planned for Carlyle Street that may become permanent.

Construction of the roundabout, at the intersection of Carlyle and Faraday Streets, starts this week.

The changes are being introduced to address community feedback on the challenges and opportunities for this busy route into the central city, says Russell Bond, Executive Director Infrastructure Services, Napier City Council.

“Slowing down traffic and improving safety are two of the key concerns raised by the people who use this important route into the city. Council will be watching with interest to see what difference the roundabout makes, along with a raised crossing near the kindergarten, and another crossing towards the eastern end of the road.”

“Any changes made need to be benefical for everybody who uses them. That means motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, locals and visitors.”

The plan is to have the crossings in place soon, although work on these may be delayed due to the holiday period shutdown.

Evaluation of the changes will continue through to late summer. If monitoring shows a definitive improvement in safety indicators, such as decreased speeds and reduced traffic volume, further adjustments will be considered.

Other proposed changes include an upgraded crossing on Thackeray Street, near Napier Intermediate and landscaping work by one of the supermarkets.

Addressing parking compliance and working with mana whenua to highlight the significance of Pukemokimoki is also part of the project. A site at the western end of the street was once known as Pukemokimoki Island, the only known place where the sacred fern mokimoki grew. After the 1931 earthquake, the island was completely removed and used in the rebuilding of Napier.

Carlyle St is one of the main gateways to the central business district, connecting the city centre with suburbs and main routes out of Napier.

The project is funded through a $676,000 grant from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. It is one of a series of projects in the $30 milion Streets for People programme, aimed at making it easier and faster to create safer, healthier and more people-friendly streets.

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