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Blockhouse Bay Road and New North Road, Avondale – Pedestrian Safety Improvements Blockhouse Bay Road and New North Road, Avondale – Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Proposal status: Closed

Reference number: 20100654

Proposal outcome 

In October 2023, we proposed changes to improve road safety for people crossing and people on bikes on Blockhouse Bay Road and New North Road in Avondale. After reviewing all the feedback we received, we’re going ahead with the work as proposed. These works will help support Tāmaki Makaurau Vision Zero goal.   

This project is funded by Walking Programme and Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate (CATTR) 

What happens next  

We anticipate the changes will be constructed in March 2024. We will be in touch with local residents and businesses prior to any construction taking place. 

Community feedback 

Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge.  A summary of your feedback and our responses to community questions is below. 

Remove slip lane (free turn lane without stopping) 

  • Concern that the slip lane is a safety issue. It should be removed to make it safer for people crossing the road. We are currently investigating this intersection further, which includes looking into the slip lane. As a temporary solution, we are reinstating the zebra crossing on top of a speed hump that is level with the footpath. This gives priority to people crossing and ensures they can be seen by motorists who have to stop.

We’re proposing improvements in your area

Aucklanders have told us that moving around our city safely and easily is important to them. We are proposing some improvements to your area.

The Walking Programme by Auckland Transport seeks to promote easier, healthier and more efficient inclusive walking options for everyone to move around Tāmaki Makaurau. Its focus is to promote investment in pedestrian projects for short journeys (less than 2km). It aims to improve safety and access for all people regardless of age, abilities and backgrounds.

The proposed changes include:

  • Installing a zebra crossing on top of a speed bump, raised to the height of the footpath, outside 1237 New North Road. The speed bump is flat and wide with a long off ramp. This makes it more comfortable for larger vehicles and their passengers.
  • Reconstructing the footpath with tactile pavers. Tactile pavers are the yellow guidance paving markers to help people find their way to crossings and safely across the roads.
  • Constructing a new traffic island with signal poles for better visibility of pedestrians and turning vehicles.

Download the proposal drawing for Blockhouse Bay Road and New North Road (PDF 795KB)

We want to work with you to deliver safer roads in your neighbourhood. These changes would:

  • Slow motorists to a safer speed.
  • Raise pedestrians, especially children, crossing the road to be at eye-level of approaching motorists, making them easier to see.
  • Make it more comfortable for everyone, including people with prams and wheelchairs, to cross the road as the crossing is level with the footpath.

This project supports Tāmaki Makaurau’s commitment to Vision Zero, an ambitious transport safety vision, with the goal of no deaths or serious injuries on our transport system by 2050. This approach acknowledges that as people we all make mistakes, however a mistake should not mean someone dies or is seriously injured on our roads. It’s also an approach that values everyone using the road, not just those in vehicles.   

Avondale: Safe with us

Auckland Transport cares for your safety. We want to make our roads safe for everyone, people walking and cycling, especially for our kids and senior citizens and people driving. Projects like this one around [insert road] are another step towards our goal of achieving no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. We are guided by the Vision Zero approach to transport safety, which prioritises human safety over other measures (like minor time saving).