Sunday, June 25, 2023

MOTUEKA TRANSPORT CHOICES PROJECT SABOTAGED

Motueka - No space for cyclists on High Street

 

Extensive community feedback defers cycle lanes on Motueka’s High Street


An impressive volume of feedback from the community will continue to shape the Motueka Transport Choices Project. To date, Tasman District Council (TDC) has received almost 500 pieces of feedback across the project.  

 

Transport Choices is a Council managed - Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) funded project. The nationwide fund is from the agency’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) that encourages New Zealanders to choose transport options that lower overall emissions into our environment. To enable that choice, the Transport Choices project seeks to make the streets around Motueka safer and more appealing for walking and cycling.


Responses to the proposed project work have been varied, from ardently supportive through to passionately against, with a huge variety of opinions in between, said Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson 


“The community has given us some excellent ideas for how they want or need the transport system to function for them and their families, and how to keep mobility scooters, scooters, walkers, e-bikes and cyclists safe in our community.”


“Such a diverse range of opinions means ultimately not everyone will be satisfied with the final results, but it is important that we stay focussed on what the overall best outcomes are for the community.”


Where to from here?


The installation of cycle ways on High Street between Wharf Road and Whakarewa Street has been deferred and will not occur as part of the current Transport Choices Motueka project.  


We will revisit what is possible and what the community would like to see on High Street in the future.  Many safety concerns from residents and businesses were raised in the feedback about this stretch of State Highway. These will be summarised and fed back to Waka Kotahi. 

 

We have a number of other priority projects being investigated and are working through the list of alternative suggestions raised by the community to enable safer walking and cycling. 

 

Working with residents, businesses, schools and community groups to inform safe and convenient connections for all active transport users will help us decide the next steps for the project and to work out what is possible under the budget and timeframes determined by Waka Kotahi. 


The ‘next steps’ plan will be presented to the Motueka Community Board at their July meeting and updates to the project will be posted on the Shape Tasman website. 


Tasman District Council


Pigeon Post News, Richmond

Nelson Airport News - eBus service

Nelson Airport


 AIRPORT ROADWORKS PROGRESSING IN PREPARATION FOR NEW eBUS SERVICE

Nelson Airport and the Nelson City Council are working together on a new bus shelter and altering pedestrian crossings for the new airport bus service.
 
 Nelson-Tasman's eBus service will begin operating on 1 August, bringing greater choice to airport customers, tenants and staff.
 
To allow buses to travel safely and smoothly through the airport precinct, changes are required to the gradient of the pedestrian crossing points on the airport entry road and in front of the terminal. Work to alter the crossings and construct a bus shelter will begin on 6 June and run through until late July (weather dependent).
 
 Nelson Airport Communications Manager Beth Catley says the roadworks will cause some disruption to traffic flows through the airport precinct.
 
 “We’re asking people to take extra care when driving through our entry road, Pick Up Drop Off Lane and through the carpark. You may need to allow a little extra time when planning your trip to the airport to make your way through the diversions. There is likely to be some congestion so please be patient. Safety is the top priority.
 
 “There will be traffic management staff on site to support safe traffic flows so please follow their instructions and take it slowly and safely.”


Work has started at Nelson Airport in preparation for the new eBus service to the airport starting on the 1 August.

The key things to be aware of if you are coming to the airport during June and July are:

  • The Commercial Lane (closest to the terminal building) will be CLOSED to all vehicles other than taxis and drop-offs for customers with accessibility needs for the duration of the works
  • The Pick Up Drop Off (PUDO) lane will remain open, but will be busier than usual due to the additional traffic diverted from the Commercial Lane
  • New temporary pedestrian crossing points will be provided to ensure a safe route is maintained from the carpark to and from the terminal
  • A new bus shelter will be constructed near the terminal

“We recommend customers opt to park in the Main Carpark rather than in the PUDO lane, even if you are making a quick stop and drop, to help ease congestion. Parking will be free for your first 30 minutes, rather than the usual 15 minutes, to recognise the extra time people may need during this period,” Beth says.

“We really appreciate everyone’s patience while these works take place. The new bus will add to the sustainable transport options available for people travelling to and from the airport, so it’s well worth putting up with a few weeks’ disruption to enable the introduction of this much-needed service.”

To find out more about the new bus service visit
shape.nelson.govt.nz/ebus


A map of the roadworks taking place at Nelson Airport - works area in red


Nelson Airport


Pigeon Post News, Richmond


Tuesday, June 20, 2023

 


Serious crash, Kawatiri-Murchison Highway, Tasman District



Emergency services are responding to a single-vehicle crash involving a truck on the Kawatiri-Murchison Highway, Tasman District.

Police were called about 1.08pm today 20 Jun 2023.

Initial reports indicate there are serious injuries and the Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area as a helicopter is enroute.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are underway.

Tasman Police

Pigeon Post News, Richmond, Tasman.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Winter maintenance and erosion protection work on State Highway 6

 


Maintenance and protection work will take place between the orange highlighted section of the map (Rai Saddle and Hira). Plan ahead for single lane stop/go and temporary speed limits from 15 May until 17 July 2023, 7am to 6pm each day. Allow about 10 minutes longer for your journey between the Rai saddle and Hira. 


Winter maintenance and erosion protection work on SH6 between Rai Saddle and Hira



From the 15 May until 17 July, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will be carrying out winter maintenance and erosion (or scour) protection work on State Highway 6 between Rai Saddle and Hira in Nelson.

Work will be done during the day from approximately 7am to 6pm with single lane stop/go and temporary speed limits.

Most nights the single lane closures will open back up and temporary speed limits will remain.

Any delays will be like the recent forestry work that has been happening in the same area. Allow approximately 10 minutes longer for your journey between the Rai Saddle and Hira. To minimise disruption, the forestry work is paused, while we carry out this maintenance.

To ensure the safety of our contractors and people passing through the work sites, we will have two stop/go traffic management areas and temporary speed limits in place.

We will be installing scour protection below the sites that were built up at the end of 2022. This protection will slow the natural erosion that occurs over time.

At the Christmas tree slip site (east of the Whangamoa summit), we will be drilling some drains.

We will also be doing some general maintenance, including pothole repairs, drain clearing, rock clearance, and guardrail repairs.

The winter maintenance is in addition to the storm and slip work completed at the end of 2022.

We thank you for your patience as this important work gets completed. You can get up to date information on SH6 and other state highways around NZ by visiting our Journey Planner - www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz


Information from:



Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

WEATHER CLEARING WEDNESDAY MAY 10 BUT SOME THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE IN GOLDEN BAY

 



NOTIFICATIONS FROM METSERVICE CONCERNING SNOW


On Wednesday afternoon snowfalls starts to affect the inland parts of the lower South Island down to 400 metres, with heavier snowfalls above 700 metres.



Tasman Nelson Regional Forecast



Wednesday

 10 MAY

Showers, becoming widespread in the morning, then becoming isolated by midday as fine spells develop. Westerlies, strong about Golden Bay where thunderstorms are also possible.

Issued: 8:13pm Tue 9 May


Thursday

 11 MAY

Cloudy, clearing and becoming fine in the afternoon. Southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.

Issued: 11:28am Tue 9 May


Friday

 12 MAY

Fine. Light winds.

Issued: 11:28am Tue 9 May


METSERVICE.



Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.


New Public Transport Interchange proposed for Nelson

 

Proposed new Bus Hub at Millers Acre and 41 Halifax St Nelson City


Will Nelson City have a new Bus Hub?



Hon Dr Nick Smith, Mayor of Nelson City, announcement today that Nelson City Council has purchased 41 Halifax Street, adjacent to Millers Acre, to support the development of a new central city bus interchange.


The Mayor said the Council paid $970,000 for the property at auction, after approval was granted at a confidential Council meeting on 3 April. The property had a capital valuation of $1.04 million. 


The Council are seeking funding from Waka Kotahi to cover part of the cost in support of the bus hub. 


The purchase is partly in response to concerns from neighbouring businesses about the loss of carparks due to the hub development at Millers Acre. The extra space will provide for about 26 carparks. 


The Mayor said “the purchase also provides an opportunity to build a better hub with space for other bus services like Intercity as well as separation between bus manoeuvring areas and an improved layout.”


It will be a surprise if this very popular carpark for people visiting the city is taken away. There are many businesses in the area visited frequently by people in and out of the city. The mobility parking located there will probably disappear as well.



Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman.

WEATHER CONDITIONS - INFORMATION FROM DIFFERENT AUTHORITIES.

 



DUE TO THE WEATHER THE LATEST INFORMATION


Nelson Tasman Civil Defence



We are receiving various reports of surface flooding in areas across Nelson Tasman.  


This is expected, as the river levels across the region are currently peaking from the rain we received today.  


Please exercise extreme caution if traveling, especially around Wakefield, North Nelson, Kotahu and Takaka.  


Drive to the conditions, or delay traveling until later, if possible, when river levels subside. 

Nelson City Council

Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere

———————————

POSTED  4:50pm 9 MAY 2023



An intense burst of rain has occurred in the hills near Belgrove. 


This has caused flooding to occur in the Wai-iti River, flowing between Belgrove and Wakefield. 


Residents in the area may not have noticed this rainfall in the hills. 


It is recommended that stock in the area are moved to high ground, if possible. 


Please be aware that surface flooding may be present. Take extreme care when driving through this area.


Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency - South Island were also clearing a tree across the road in the Belgrove area - so stop/go traffic control may also be in place.

----------------

Posted 4:00pm 9 May 2023 


 

The weather continues to track as forecast, but we are keeping a close eye on it should something change.


TASMAN

Golden Bay has seen the most rainfall over the last 24 hours. Rivers are slowly rising and expected to peak around 3pm today.


Riwaka River is expected to peak around 5pm.


Motueka River expected to peak later around 8pm.


NELSON

The Maitai River is also expected to peak later this afternoon.


All of the rivers and streams are expected to peak at Annual flood levels or lower, although this could change if there are localised downpours.


 Slips are a risk for our region with steep hillsides, especially if intense rain does occur. 

We are closely monitoring this risk with soils already soggy from the weekend rain. 


If you see a slip, please call your local Council: 


Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere 03 543 8400


Nelson City Council on 03 546 0200.


 For the latest on State Highway conditions, check Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency - South Island https://bit.ly/3B5Tz6x

--------------------

POSTED 10:30AM 9 May 2023


GOLDEN BAY


With steady rain over in Golden Bay, the rivers and streams continue to rise.


Please keep away from rivers and streams in the area, and take care on the roads as there is a lot of surface flooding around.


Our hydrology teams are keeping an eye on the situation, especially with high rainfall forecast for the next few hours. 


 If the rainfall intensities remain high, surface flooding is possible around Bridges Hollow leading into Takaka and potentially the Waitapu Splash.


Please take care on the roads.

The latest rainfall data can be seen at: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../environme.../rainfall/report/

The latest river flow data can be seen at: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../river-flow/flow-report/

Golden Bay Community Noticeboard

Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere

------------------------

POSTED 2.00PM 9 May 2023



Waitapu Road Takaka started to flood at 3.00pm see picture below


Waitapu Road Takaka


METSERVICE UPDATE

From Nelson Tasman Civil Defence:


There is no significant change from the previous warnings. Take care out there.  


Heavy Rain Warning - Orange


Period: 14hrs from 9am - 11pm Tue, 9 May


Area: Tasman from Motueka westwards


Forecast: Expect a further 90 to 120 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen. Intensities of 10 to 25 mm per hour, especially this morning and early afternoon.


Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.


Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Period: 8hrs from 9am - 5pm Tue, 9 May


Area: Marlborough about and north of the Awatere Valley, also Nelson and Tasman south and east of Motueka


Forecast: Expect 70 to 100 mm of rain about the Richmond and Bryant ranges and 50 to 70 mm elsewhere. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected from late morning.


Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.


The latest Warnings and Watches have been issued:

Heavy Rain is expected for already sodden areas in the North and South Island places. These areas may see surface flooding, rising rivers and streams, and hazardous driving conditions.


Added to that is the possibility of Severe Thunderstorms, which will bring heavier bursts of rain in a short space of time, as well as damaging winds.


Then WEDNESDAY afternoon snowfalls starts to affect the inland parts of the lower South Island down to 400 metres, with heavier snowfalls above 700 metres.

-----------------------

POSTED 11:00am 9 May 2023



Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency


MetService New Zealand has issued road snowfall warnings for SH7 Lewis Pass, SH73 Arthur’s Pass, SH8 Lindis Pass and SH94 Milford Rd, with these in place until 11pm, Wednesday 10 May. 


In addition, heavy rain warnings are currently in place for parts of Westland and Marlborough, in place until 5pm this evening, and for parts of Tasman, in place until 11pm this evening.  


Remember to switch on your headlights, increase your following distance and be prepared for unexpected hazards when driving in these conditions. 


For the latest weather warnings click here: metservice.com/warnings 


For the latest on the status of the state highway network, check out our interactive Highway Conditions Map found here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions This will be updated with all major developments as we receive them. 



Tasman District Council


We are seeing a lot of rain at the moment, so please think twice about whether you really need to travel in this weather. If you do, please take extra care on the roads. This means using your headlights when visibility is poor, watching your speed and following distances, and driving to the conditions. 


Roads can close at short notice with weather like this, so before you head out, check the following links for any disruptions to the roads around you:


- Local roads: https://roadinfo.ramm.com/nz/roadclosuremap.html?region=tasman


- State highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/tasman/



Nelson City Council


**Latest weather update as of 10:47am**


The weather continues to track as forecast, but we are keeping a close eye on it should something change.


The Maitai River is expected to peak later this afternoon. 


All of the rivers and streams are expected to peak at annual flood levels or lower, although this could change if there are localised downpours.


Slips are a risk for our region with steep hillsides, especially if intense rain does occur. 


Our roads are starting to get a bit slippery. Please drive to the conditions. Leave more space than usual and have your headlights on. Surface flooding can occur - so please be careful.


The rain we received on Saturday caused some disruption across our region with flooding, road closures, and a few evacuations. With the ground already sodden and rivers swollen, there is a possibility we may experience further disruptions.


If you see a slip please call our Customer Service Team on 03 546 0200.

Staff at Nelson City Council and Nelson Tasman Civil Defence are on standby monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.  


Know where to look for important info.

The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Facebook page is the first place to check for emergency information.  


Check the MetService New Zealand website for updates to the weather forecast https://buff.ly/3NQrIPj . 


Check Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency - South Island for updates on State Highway conditions, including closures https://buff.ly/42oW3Zg . 


Check the Road Info website for updates on local road closures https://buff.ly/3PsNohG .


If you have an emergency or need evacuation, call 111 


To report flooding, landslips, and other weather-related disruptions, or for assistance, call our Customer Service Centre at 03 546 0200. This phone service is available 24/7. 


To receive important updates from Nelson City Council straight to your phone, download the Antenno app https://buff.ly/42Aja3o . 


Rāhui 


A rāhui has been put in place for Tasman Bay until further notice due to wastewater overflows. 


These have now been repaired but the Rāhui remains in place. 


Entering the water, gathering seafood and kai, in-shore fishing, and gathering of crayfish, crab, kina, and paua are all prohibited.  


The rāhui covers all coastlines, river mouths, and floodwaters. 


All surface water should also be treated as contaminated. 


Road closures 


- Aniseed Valley Road from Hackett Reserve 

- Maitai Valley Road from Poleford Bridge

- Tantragee Road

- Clouston Tce (Resident access only)

- Atmore Tce (Resident access only)


Infrastructure  


Repairs on the Atawhai Rising Main wastewater pipe have been completed.


Work to clean out culverts, sweep roads, and fix minor damage from last week’s rainfall continues in the Maitai, the Brook, Aniseed Valley and Atmore Terrace. 


Stormwater intakes and sumps have been checked and cleaned. 


Gravel traps have been cleaned out in preparation. 


Exposed slips in places have been covered and waterproofed to limit further erosion.  


Crews have inspected the Maitai Shared Pathway for damage. Any required repairs will begin after the rain passes. 


Work on the Riverside Swallow main has been postponed.  


Riverbank protection was damaged in some areas by flooding over the weekend. Repairs are on hold until today's weather passes. 


Sports fields 


All grass sports fields remain closed until they can be assessed. 


Trails


Please stay off all trails.   


Mountain biking in wet weather can damage tracks, particularly those with a clay substrate like the ones in Codgers.  


There may also be safety risks at the moment in the form of flooding, slips and fallen trees.  


Facilities

Facilities alongside the river, like Riverside Pool and Elma Turner Library, may close at short notice. Keep an eye out here or on social media for more information.


The temporary bridge at the Waahi Taakaro Golf Course needs to be assessed following the flooding. The golf course is closed until further notice.

----------------------------


Pigeon Post News Richmond, Tasman. 9 May 2023

Further Information may be on Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Facebook page

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