MEETING OF COUNCIL - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2012
The existing path on the west side, between Alderbury Street and Oceanic Drive, may be partly
classified as a shared path since it meets the minimum of 2.0 metres width for most of the
length. However, its utility as a shared path is reduced by rubbish bins placed on the path for
rubbish pick up and car-doors opening on to the path. If its width is increased to 3.0 metres
then there will be the required 2.0 metres space around doors and bins. The existing parking
lane is required for visitor parking since the steep verge is difficult to drive on to and off again.
There appears to be three options for providing a better shared path 3.0 metres wide on the
west side that will satisfy the requirements of the grant from Department of Transport.
Option 1: Widen the existing path to 3.0 metres. The existing 2.0 metres wide path will remain
and a 1 metre wide strip added to the west side of the path. The crossovers to eight properties
will require replacing to provide a trafficable entry to the property. This is the most viable option
and will improve the accessibility to these properties. Some verge areas are steep which will
make construction difficult. Most trees are 1.7 metres from the existing path. It is also
highlighted in the section between Oakdale Street and Oceanic Drive that the existing verge
area narrows and one transmission pole has a clearance of only 2.1 metres.
Option 2: Widen the existing path to 3.0 metres on the road side. The existing kerb will be
removed and a new kerb laid 1 metre away. The existing brown asphalt cycle lane will be
removed and the existing parking lane will be moved 1 metre east. The problem with this
option is that the cycle lane is no longer continuous, the shared path will have a vee shaped
cross-section and the parking lane will be 2.4 metres wide next to a 3.1 metres wide traffic lane.
Normal design practice for this class of road requires a 2.5 metres wide parking lane and a
3.5m wide traffic lane. The existing 2.0 metres wide median could be narrowed or moved
eastwards to make more space but the cost of this is difficult to justify relative to Option 1.
Option 3: Widen the 1.5 metre wide path on the east side to 3.0 metres. The problems with
this option are that the shared path will be on the other side of Brookdale Street from the new
path between Underwood Avenue and Alderbury Street adjacent the Perry Lakes Stadium
Development. Furthermore, the existing 14 street trees will have to be removed and replaced
in another location on the verge.
POLICY/STATUTORY IMPLICATIONS:
The development of on-road bicycle facilities and shared paths is in accordance with Council’s
policy to enhance and encourage bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the Town.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
This project is included in the 2012/13 Budget with total funding of $100,000 and includes
$25,000 grant funding. The estimated cost of Option 1 for widening the existing path on the
west side, colouring the path brown and reconstructing 8 crossovers is $90,000 and is within
budget.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION:
The recommendation in this report includes elements that will complement the Town's strategic
direction, namely:-
• Transport choice;
• A wide range of quality, accessible recreation facilities;
• Services that meet the needs of ratepayers, residents and visitors;
• Community infrastructure and facilities that are well used and maintained;
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