Wheelchair users in Reefton will soon have a safe way of crossing the town's main street, State Highway 7.
Wheelchair user Lisa Neil prepares to venture across Reefton's main drag. Photo: LDR / Lois Williams
The NZ Transport Agency has agreed to install a new crossing point outside the information centre on Broadway.
Wheelchair user Lisa Neil and others with mobility issues in Reefton have been asking the authorities for some time to improve access over kerbs and the road itself, which was rebuilt a few years ago with a steeper camber.
The Buller District Council put a proposal to NZTA last year for a safety crossing but was uncertain when the project might happen.
NZTA spokesman Andy Knackstedt has now confirmed the agency is aiming to have the crossing built by the end of June.
"The crossing point from the i-SITE will be wheelchair-friendly, consisting of kerb extensions (on both sides of the road) built out to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians and improve visibility for and of the pedestrians crossing at this location."
Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said it was excellent news for Reefton.
"It can be a bit unfortunate when a town's main drag is the state highway and this has been an issue for some time for our older community and people with disabilities, so it's very good to hear NZTA's going to do this."
Knackstedt said the safety crossing would be 100 percent funded by NZTA.
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