Changes to the Eltham Road cycle lane will start after the Easter break, work timed to coincide with the school holidays to reduce impact on users.
Marlborough Roads System Manager Wayne Oldfield said the Eltham Road cycle lane was created in 2017 to separate cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians along the busy street, next to Whitney Street School and Blenheim Playcentre. The road is also a popular transit route for Bohally Intermediate and Marlborough Girls’ College students.
“The changes are being made following community concerns about the loss of some parking and property access since it was established as well as safety for users. The alterations will better meet the community and cyclists’ needs,” Mr Oldfield said.
From Tuesday 7 April, contractor CMT Group NZ Limited will remove the existing raised concrete separators and reinstate the road on the eastern side as well as return roadside parking. Painted cycle lanes will be created along Eltham Road in both directions which is in-keeping with other cycle lanes across Marlborough.
The southern bound lane will be closed for the duration of the works but disruption to north bound traffic is expected to be minimal.
There will be heavy machinery and truck movements along with some increased construction noise, vibration and potentially dust during the works, although contractors will endeavour to cause as minimal disturbance as possible, Mr Oldfield said.
It is expected these works will take two to three weeks. The hours of operation will be Monday to Friday 7am to 5.30pm, and Saturday mornings between 7am and 1pm.
The changes to the cycle lane are funded within Marlborough Roads’ current budget.
