Questions have been raised about ongoing roadworks near the Apii Takitumu grounds in Matavera.

Recent works have seen concrete pads installed on both sides of the road way on the Main Road.  

The road way was recently resealed then dug up again last week to make way for the pads.

Cook Islands News contacted Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) with questions.

The newspaper has asked ICI secretary Elizabeth Wright-Koteka what the specific designs are, what work still has to be completed on them, when they were written into the plan, costs, if there was consultation and who was involved in the consultation phase, and if there were any changes during the planning/consultation phase.

In response, Wright-Koteka said a pedestrian crossing for Apii Takitumu was required to be installed to replace the previous crossing.

The location had changed slightly due to landowner’s current and proposed access way to their property.

It was confirmed “extensive consultation between the school and the Parent Teacher Association representatives was undertaken to determine the needs of the school and safety of the students”.

The bus bay design being incorporated into the decision and location of the crossing, and use was also taken into consideration, Wright-Koteka said.

“Talks around the need of allowing safe passage to and from the bus were held shortly after the unfortunate fatality of a student in Ngatangiia,” she said.

“The works remaining include installation of road signage highlighting the crossing and speed limit (30 km in a school zone), as well as road marking delineating the road-lanes and shoulder areas.

“It is important to note that the crossing does not claim any of the area that is classified as the road. 

“It is an area in addition to the normal width of the road; the road in this section, like the rest of the upgraded road active lanes is 6.4 metres.”  

Wright-Koteka said the raised areas (concrete pads) were installed to allow the crossing signage and line of sight for crossing patrol purposes.

There are ramps on each approach of the raised section for ease of access for all mobility types.

“This type of crossing is a KEA crossing which does not require ‘zebra’ line marking on the pavement as it is only used as a crossing once it is ‘manned’. 

“The width, slope and placement of the raised section have been carefully considered in relation to accessibility and the safety of those crossing and traffic using the road. 

“It is intended as a ‘traffic calming’ device to encourage motorists to slow down on the nice new road that people have a tendency to speed on. 

“Furthermore, rumble strips will be installed on the edge line leading up to and away from the crossing to warn motorists to return to the road rather than drive on the shoulder.” 

Wright-Koteka said ICI have been working with Police to “ensure awareness is disseminated to the public, but can only do so once the works are complete”.

“Police will be working directly with the school and their appointed students and staff responsible for manning the crossing.

“This work has been factored into the project for the renewal and upgrade of the road from Matavera to Tupapa and its cost is part of the overall roading project, with the construction being the task of the road contractor.”
The publication also contacted Member of Parliament for Matavera, Vaitoti Tupa, for comment.

Member of Parliament for Ngatangiia, Tukaka Ama, said he had concerns.

Ama said he had spoken with Tupa and would be asking ICI to look at the design again.

There have been extensive works in the immediate area including the installation of a $90,000 fence on Apii Takitumu grounds.

It was revealed in March that the primary objective of the fence was “to keep those on either side of the fence safe”.