Making SH35 Ūawa (Tolaga Bay) safe, healthy and connected

Together with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and the Ūawa community work starts on the Ūawa– Streets for People initiative to improve safety at the Solander and Cook Street intersection.

The design has been created to slow traffic through the main street and improve safety for all road users. Ultimately, it strives to create a safe and vibrant space for everyone in Ūawa. There’s huge pride for the main street in Ūawa from the community and it’s going to be great to see it given an upgrade.

What we've done - the installation

  • a new roundabout at the Solander/Cook/State Highway 35 intersection along with 3 pedestrian crossings with speed humps.
  • new pedestrian crossings at Cook Street/State Highway between Ūawa Foodmarket and Cottles Cafe and Monkhouse Street near Cottles Café/State Highway intersection.

Other works

  • asphalt footpaths
  • concrete islands
  • planter boxes
  • signs and road markings

Upgrade trial options - Option 2 selected

At a community meeting on 6 June around 40 Ūawa residents after a thorough discussion opted for Upgrade Trial Option 2.

About Streets for People

Streets for People is funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to encourage vibrant, people friendly streets and healthier lifestyles by implementing temporary interventions to test live versions of designs with local people in real time.

This a people first approach, to design with the users of the space affected rather than for them. Trial interventions are added in a low-cost, low-risk way that allows people to try the design for themselves and provide feedback. Trials are monitored and assessed for effectiveness to inform the planning for future permanent changes.

The project also aims to encourage safer, healthier communities by offering greater options on how they travel.

What the proposal includes

We've heard from the community, here are their ideas for the township so far:

  • Slow traffic from northern and southern approaches to Ūawa and reduce speed through Tolaga Bay township.
  • Better street lighting.
  • More seating/ tables.
  • Bike racks.
  • Roundabout in place at Solander and Cook Streets to slow traffic entering town.
  • Safe pedestrian crossings.
  • Planter boxes.

Thank you for all the valuable feedback, together with our community partners, business owners, designers and engineers we will continue to refine these improvements and ideas.

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions on the initial options

8 June, 2024

Dolly Mitchell says:

I love that all modes of transport can navigate safely & access all businesses, Trucks , cars, cycles, Detouring traffic kills small towns!!

1 June, 2024

Emanon says:

Install option 1

28 May, 2024

Tui Marino says:

We'd love for a pedestrian crossing with clear signage, for the Whanau Whānui Kōhanga Reo over the Tauwhareparae Rd across to the footpath.

28 May, 2024

Tui Marino says:

We'd love the cycle trail to the Wharf be along H35 & NOT along the narrow Hauiti Road so that Hauiti Marae, Kaumātua Flats is kept private.

28 May, 2024

Tui Marino says:

We would love to see the two massive pot-holes across from the Garage between Monkhouse Str & the Bridge fully repaired & safe for vehicles.

20 May, 2024

DJ says:

reduce the speed limit from SH35 into Uawa northbound from 70km to 50km as residential numbers have increased and its become rather unsafe

20 May, 2024

Fran says:

Slow traffic, pedestrian crossings - Keep leading into skate park, move one closer to Monkhouse st, Remove roundabout at Monkhouse St