Work to begin on CityHeart-Claudelands connection

Improved pedestrian access from the central city to Claudelands is the major focus of work beginning next week.

Part of the CityHeart project, the City to Claudelands Link Project includes refurbishment of footpaths and grass verges on O’Neill Street, new traffic and pedestrian-controlled crossing on River Road, and new landscaping in the Sonning Carpark.

The project will also see removal of riverbank vegetation to allow for more expansive views of the Waikato River, signalised crossings at either end of the Claudelands Bridge, and upgraded street lighting.

A continuous three-metre wide pavement will run the length of O’Neill Street to allow for the volumes of pedestrian traffic expected when Claudelands hosts events. Other aspects include creation of a median strip to prevent vehicles making right turns out of the Sonning Carpark and new kerbing.

Hamilton City Council programme manager Jason Harrison said the work, expected to take about six weeks, is likely to cause traffic delays on what is one of the city’s busiest arterial routes.

“This is quite substantial work, particularly the construction of the new traffic islands at the River Road-O’Neill Street intersection, so we would advise motorists to explore other routes through that part of the city,” Mr Harrison said.

“We’ll also be communicating closely with residents in the area to ensure they are kept fully informed during this important project.”