KEY POINTS:
North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams has thrown his weight behind councillors who are challenging the worth of a $16 million upgrade of Takapuna's congested Lake Rd.
He was shocked to learn of a 50 per cent cost increase in two years for the project's second stage, which includes widening and adding a median strip and cycle lanes to Hauraki Corner.
It was scheduled to start this year to follow the upgrade of the intersection of Lake Rd and Esmonde Rd. But its chance of being approved by a new council, when it is put to the vote on October 16, looks slim.
At the council meeting on Thursday night, the Takapuna Residents Association called for resolution of adverse effects of the project on more than 1000 households in six side streets and 38 homes fronting Lake Rd.
However, councillors also heard pleas for the work to proceed from Devonport representatives, who say Lake Rd is the only link north for 22,000 residents.
Bayswater Community Committee urged no delays in approving an upgrade which would "improve traffic flows and provide for improved pedestrian and cycle safety".
Devonport Community Board chairman Mike Cohen said: "The road is inefficient and unsafe and will benefit from the median strip. The extra lane is vital ... The chance of bashing into someone is quite high. We ask for action as quickly as possible."
But Mr Williams said the council had $45 million for works in its budget "and I can't see $16 million heading for a short stretch of road like this".
"If it's not going to improve traffic flows and is just for making a more attractive carriageway, we are going to have to have a look at other ways ... and certainly for less than $16 million."
Mr Williams said he did not want the North Shore split by more wide arterial roads "like the aircraft carrier Taharoto Rd". He was appalled that Harley Rd residents would not be able to drive directly to their local shops.
For their sake, Devonport motorists would have to accept a light-controlled intersection at Harley Rd.
