Crossing Somme Parade at Cornmarket Reserve is set to become safer for pedestrians and shared pathway users with the addition of a raised platform.

The section of Somme Parade between Pitt Street and Dublin Street will be closed from Monday, 18 November to Friday, 6 December, 2019 while the raised platform is built.

Whanganui District Council’s Senior Roading Engineer, Brent Holmes, says the Council consulted with the Automobile Association (AA) and the National Road Carriers Association on the raised platform which is part of the Whanganui Urban Transportation Strategy.

“Having this raised platform in place will enhance the experience of pedestrians and people who are choosing active travel options along the riverfront,” Brent Holmes says.

“It will also provide a safer and more visible crossing point for those using mobility scooters or wheeling strollers. However, users need to remember that vehicles still have right of way at raised platforms.”

While the raised platform is being installed vehicles will be unable to enter or exit the closed part of Somme Parade. Instead, they will be detoured into either Pitt Street or Dublin Street, depending on their direction of travel.

Contractors will use stop-go signs to direct traffic during peak hours (Monday to Friday, between 3.00pm to 6.00pm) for the duration of the work.

Delays are likely and motorists are advised to use Glasgow Street, Bell Street, Whanganui City Bridge or Cobham Bridge as alternative routes.

“The work was scheduled for this time to ensure it is completed before a number of large community events including the Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon,” says Brent Holmes.

“We’d really appreciate everyone’s patience while the work is underway.”

Electronic message board reminders will be put in place before the work starts.