Sign of the future

Every retail, entertainment and office park is certain to generate large volumes of traffic, which are bound to impact on surrounding areas. Efficient and effective management of these traffic needs must be considered right from the very early planning stages of the project.

Personnel from traffic engineer and transport planning consultant Flow Transportation Specialists have been involved with the traffic planning of Sylvia Park from the initial stages through to the final design of the parking areas, entrances, internal roads and directional signage and road markings.

Multiple entrance points provide access for cars, with provision for an additional entrance planned for the future. The variety of ingress and egress options for customers helps reduce the possibility of congestion on nearby local roads.

Internal roading is based on a ring road that extends around the site and connects all the entrances to the various parking areas and parking buildings. There are more than 2600 parking spaces throughout the site, with the number set to rise as other phases of the project open up. Parking spaces are designed to be wider than average, and designated areas are allocated to parents with prams and for disabled parking.

Flow Transportation Specialists director Bronwyn Coomer-Smit says that with increased traffic congestion in Auckland, it is important that large centres such as Sylvia Park are well served by public transport. The first stage of Sylvia Park includes a new bus station, with existing bus services now travelling through the site. A rail station is also under construction.

Pedestrian needs have also been considered. The traffic management plan incorporates efficient, safe and convenient footpaths and zebra crossings.

For more information, contact Flow Transportation Specialists, PO Box 47 497, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1011, phone (09) 970 3820, fax (09) 970 3890. Website: www.flownz.com.

Story by: Trendsideas