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| May 2001 |
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A street made for people
The street, that runs parallel to Hills Road, between Warrington Street and Edward Avenue, needed a new drainage system because the old deep-dished channel no longer functioned to an acceptable standard, was dangerous for road users, and was past its economic use by date. This situation presented a good opportunity to enhance the street. Residents of Woodville Street took an active part in the street revamp providing different ideas, modification and finally consensus. One resident played a major part in providing design work, involving other residents and acting as liaison with the Council. Partnership The result is a partnership between the residents and the Council in developing a more environment-friendly street. A street that is made for people, not simply a space for service utilities and cars. Large areas of sealed surfaces in the street did not let rainfall soak into the natural sub-surface. Short runoff peaks were generated that washed vehicle-fuel residues and other contaminants from the road surface into the side channels and directly into the surrounding creeks and rivers. Now a system is being used that will direct surface runoff from the road across adjacent sloping grass verges. These areas, or swales, are shaped to allow short-term ponding on the grass. Sepage Natural seepage will pass into the subsoil and in the process much of the pollutants will be filtered out to the grass and not be fed into the waterways. In times of more intense runoff, the water will rise in the swale to the level of the new overflow sumps and will then be carried away by a piped system. The slotted pipes in this system can collect water or redistribute it into the ground. The swale system also forms an area where trees can be planted in the street. The previous straight, wide-open roadway saw vehicle speeding along it. Noise and vibration through the ground made speed bumps generally unsuitable for the area. Therefore, narrowed "squeeze points" were chosen. Landscaping Larger trees are being planted to provide a vertical element to the streetscape and, to a large extent, will eventually hide the power poles. Unfortunately, funding an underground electrical supply has not been possible. Green space is being provided for on-street activities and to promote the "St Albans the Golden Suburb", plants with yellow foliage and flowers are being used. It is intended that when street planting is completed will be a model for future developments. Woodville Street will be used as a visual example of a people-friendly street that can be achieved during reconstruction. |
