The pedestrian crossing next to the Gull service station on Landing Road is scheduled for maintenance this week to improve accessibility for users. The current design restricts maneuverability, especially for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, as the median bay is too narrow. Planned improvements include moving the barrier poles to the outer edges of the structure, which will increase the turning area through the crossing.

Whakatāne District Council Transportation Manager, Martin Taylor, says the works will address concerns raised through consultation with the public. "We understand people have experienced issues with this particular crossing, especially those using mobility scooters," he says. "Safety for all road users in our district is paramount, so we have prioritised this project to ensure everyone is able to cross the road safely on what is undoubtedly a busy stretch of road."

Mr Taylor goes on to say that vehicles will be largely unaffected by the works and that a contractor will be available throughout the two-day operation to assist pedestrians who need to use the crossing.  The completed improvements will not differ visually from the original layout.

The improvements are aligned with the Active Whakatāne initiative, for which a strategy is in development, to ensure infrastructure projects support the community’s desire for safe and easily-accessible travel routes for active modes of transport.