File pic Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
A level crossing that brings a West Auckland suburb to a halt every time a train comes through had residents at a local candidate meeting demanding action.
Level crossings in Takanini and Glen Innes are slated to be removed as part of Auckland Transport's preparations for the City Rail Link but the Glen Eden level crossing, by the train station on Glenview Rd, was not included.
"We feel we're being left behind with the population growing the way that it is in Glen Eden," said Heather Tanguay who heads up the Glen Eden Residents Association.
She hosted 12 candidates standing in the Auckland local elections for the Waitākere Local Board and ward councillors at a meeting with the residents on Tuesday night.
Residents asked candidates about their plans to ease the congestion at the level crossing, and how hard they would fight to ensure something can be done.
Local elections postal voting runs from September 9 to October 11. Photo: LDR / Stuff / Torika Tokilau
According to the local board, more than 12,000 vehicles cross the level crossing a day, and 20 percent of pedestrians are school children. The right-hand turn from the railway onto West Coast Rd in particular was causing many problems, Tanguay said.
All the candidates agreed that the level crossing was critical infrastructure and something needed to be done to ease the congestion it created.
Future West candidate Michelle Hutton, who was standing for the local board, said there was no easy solution.
"I know it's not going to be solely council that is able to do that, we are going to have to work with central government to be able to get that project done."
Former ward councillor Linda Cooper said the Western Line had the most level crossings and needed the most attention.
"It's going to take an almost disruptive and transformative change to the town centre to make that viable. I don't know what the answer is, but it will not be easy."
Incumbent councillor Shane Henderson said a solution would not be quick and cheap.
"The road being so short on that side, you can't go over it, you can't tunnel under it, digging into the ground is going to be difficult with the apartment building."
Incumbent Waitākere Local Board chairperson Greg Presland speaks at a meet the candidates meeting in Glen Eden, ahead of the local elections. Photo: LDR / Stuff / Torika Tokilau
Local board chairperson Greg Presland said something had to be done, "but we're not there yet".
Intensification, lack of parking and poor footpaths were other hot topics of the night.
Six candidates from the Westward team did not turn up to the meeting despite being invited. They are holding their own public meetings.
Local elections postal voting is open now and runs until 11 October, with voting papers being delivered until 22 September. Voting closes at 12pm on 11 October, with progress results expected after 3pm.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
