Together with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and the Uawa community work starts on the Uawa – 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're doing - the installation

Where the work is happening

The work includes installing:

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

When - dates and times

• 29 July - 24 August, weather dependent. For any weather impacts, work will resume the next fine business day.
• Monday to Friday 6am - 6pm. Follow traffic management and detours.

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.

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.