Project update
May 2024
After several meetings with the Karori Residents' Association regarding the proposed bus diversion route, we looked at alternative options for the location of the bus terminal, but none were suitable either due to health and safety reasons or the ability for buses to turn or reverse safely at the suggested locations.
The final option we considered was building a new bus terminal in Karori Park but to implement this option, Wellington City Council Parks Services and Recreation consent is required. This process also includes resource consent and building consent requirements. The construction cost for a temporary bus terminal in the park is estimated at approximately $1 million.
Construction time is 4 to 6 months (nearly half of the bridge construction period).
When compared to project cost and the intended period to use the terminal, this option is not economical.
Since there are no alternative safe, economically viable arrangements for the diversion of buses, the construction of a bridge to replace the existing culverts was put on hold.
As there is a risk of failure of the culvert built in 1920 due to its serviceable life having expired, we are exploring possible repairs to strengthen it to last another 10 to 15 years. These repair works do not address the 1 in 50-year flooding issues and we are looking for alternative arrangements to address this issue.
February 2023
Council met with Karori Residents’ Association where several options were considered for a bus terminus point. We are currently considering the options, with the biggest focus being on the health and safety of road users.
We are developing concept designs and liaising with Metlink to explore suitability for the buses before implementation.
The contract awarding process has been put on hold until we finalise the suitable alternative bus terminus point.
Impact on traffic and residents
We will be in regular contact with residents throughout this project.
It is intended to stage construction so that two lanes of traffic can pass through the site at peak times. This may be reduced to one lane outside of peak hours.
Some properties immediately adjacent to the culvert site will be affected by the construction staging. Wellington City Council will be contacting these residents directly to discuss their specific circumstances and the steps that are proposed to minimise their disruption.
Construction can be noisy and dusty, and certain construction activities such as driving piles can produce noise and vibration. These sorts of activities are only expected over relatively brief periods of the construction and we will be making every effort to minimise disruption.
Pedestrian access
A confined construction site is not the place for pedestrians, especially if they are children.
Considering this, pedestrians will be rerouted around the site via the footbridge that crosses the Karori Stream to the north of Allington Road and through the Terawhiti Wilf Glover Turf onto Makara Road.
We are conscious about providing a safe access through this route. Additional lighting will be provided along with providing priority to pedestrians when accessing the turf carpark.
Bus users
The bus terminal will need to be temporarily relocated as it extends over the culverts. There are a few key things that you need to know if you use the buses:
- Buses coming from Karori shops will follow the existing route of the bus number 33, looping from Karori Road onto Richmond Avenue, and return to Karori Road via Woodhouse Avenue. Some kerbside car parks will be temporarily coned off to increase space for turning buses.
- If you travel to Karori Terminus, you will have to get off near the intersection of Woodhouse Avenue and South Karori Road.
- If you travel into town on bus number 2, you will have to get on to the bus at a new temporary stop that is located by Karori Park.
- All other routes into town will use the existing bus stop at Karori Park which will be temporarily extended.