Dunedin ratepayers could have input into whether the section of Anzac Ave between St Andrew St and Castle St should be permanently closed to traffic.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has temporarily improved the intersection of Anzac Ave and Castle St since a cyclist was killed there last November, and its preference is to make the improvements permanent without consultation.
But councillors will next week consider a report from council staff recommending community feedback be sought on whether to improve the intersection or close the road from St Andrew St, and make it a cul-de-sac.
Both options had advantages, the report said.
A cul-de-sac would provide increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the enhancement of the visitor experience by improved amenities in the area, more scope for "enhancing" the Farmers' Market, and fewer trucks in the central city by promotion of the Strathallan bypass as a preferred option for heavy traffic.
Disadvantages of the road's closure included the potential for increased through traffic, or "rat running", on the railway station's forecourt (although this could be mitigated by traffic calming or the closure of the forecourt at the Castle St end) and the loss of some parking in Anzac Ave.
Advantages of keeping the road open with improvements included it was low cost and cycle and pedestrian safety was improved by changing it from a continuous turning lane into a standard intersection crossing.
However, cyclists were still crossing a road and opportunities to improve the bypass and amenities on Anzac Ave would be missed.
The report from the council's transportation planning department follows an approach from NZTA seeking council comment and support regarding improvements it proposes for the intersection this financial year.
It noted NZTA's preferred option was to alter the intersection, but if the council felt strongly about closing the intersection permanently, the agency would support further investigation of that option.
The infrastructure services committee will consider the report on Tuesday.
