The Goulstone, Crete and Salonika Streets neighbourhood is set to receive some major safety upgrades with a five-month work programme starting this week.

The neighbourhood is the latest to receive a Safer Travel Route as part of Whakatāne District Council’s Active Whakatāne programme.

Council Team Leader Strategy and Asset Management Ann-Elise Reynolds said the Safer Travel Route will make it easier for people to walk, cycle or scooter in the neighbourhood no matter their age or ability.

“Through Active Whakatāne we want to make neighbourhoods an enjoyable and safe place for people to use active modes of travel,” she said.

“Getting people out and active has so many benefits including reducing greenhouse emissions and physical and mental health gains for individuals.

“These improvements will make it safer for tamariki to travel to school, for the elderly to use their mobility scooters and for people to walk or cycle to the pools, playgrounds, rugby fields or into Whakatāne town.”

The first phase of the work will start this week and see a pedestrian refuge island, and a raised speed table with courtesy crossing installed at the intersection of Crete and Salonika Streets. A raised speed table with courtesy crossing will also be installed at the intersection of King and Salonika Streets.

The second phase will begin in March and will see a raised speed table with courtesy crossing installed across Salonika Street at the back of St Joseph’s Catholic School as well as a raised speed table and courtesy crossing at the intersection of Salonika and Douglas Streets.

The final phase in April will see a raised speed table across the entire Goulstone Road and Crete Street corner with two courtesy crossings.

Work is expected to take five months to compete, weather dependent. During this time, roads may be closed at certain stages but access for residents will be maintained at all times. Residents are also asked to put their bins out as usual, and contractors will ensure they are emptied.

“We’re very excited about this work which will make a huge difference to the safety of this neighbourhood,” said Ms Reynolds.

“This Safer Travel Route isn’t the only one we have planned; we will also be constructing one in the Pouwhare Hikurangi Streets neighbourhood with that expected to start in March and we have recently finished consultation on one for College Road in Edgecumbe.”